Q: Why did the cellphone go to the dentist?
We Know You Don’t Floss
The delicate dance dentists and their patients
have been doing for decades surrounding flossing is always bemusing,
but in 2016, an Associated Press review of 25 studies had patients celebrating. The review found that flossing didn’t prove to have the health benefits it once boasted.
A: It was having
AND HERE’S WHY YOU NEED TO DO IT REGULARLY
trouble with its Bluetooth.
However, this was very misleading. These studies did not find that flossing wasn’t beneficial, and there was no harm found from flossing. Like most dental experts who are wrist-deep in mouths each day, we continually see the benefits regular flossing can have on your gums, teeth, and overall health. Each one of your choppers has five surfaces that need cleaning. The front, back, and tops of your teeth are pretty much covered through regular brushing, but the sides of your teeth are rarely reached by the bristles on your toothbrush. This means food particles and plaque can build up in these
Pasta Primavera
Inspired by Food Network
Ingredients
• • • • • • • • •
12 ounces pasta, ideally fusilli 1/2 pound broccoli florets
spaces, which can increase your risk of periodontal and gum diseases and cavities. Even worse, these cavities and oral diseases don’t just impact your mouth. Studies have linked diseases in your mouth to increased risks of diabetes, cardiac conditions, and other
2 carrots, shredded
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste 1. In a large pot, liberally salt water and bring to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package directions. Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper during the last 2 minutes of cook time. 2. Drain the pasta and veggies, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Return pasta and veggies to pot. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil to medium heat. Add garlic and cook until translucent and golden, 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until tomatoes are wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in reserved pasta water. 4. Add tomato mixture to pasta pot, stirring to coat evenly. 5. Divide into bowls, top with Parmesan, and serve. Directions •
chronic diseases. On that same token, these illnesses can create even more problems for your mouth.
For most dental experts, flossing is suggested to patients because it’s a simple, safe, and effective way to properly clean your teeth. It takes a few minutes out of your day to run the string through your teeth twice every day, and your gums and teeth will be cleaner when you do. The manner in which you floss matters too. Glide the floss up and down the side of each tooth to ensure you shake
ees
loose any food particles, and if your gums hurt after you floss, talk to your dentist. You may be flossing too aggressively, or your gums are showing a symptom of a larger issue.
Much like flossing can give you a leg up in your oral health, regular dental appointments are important. Schedule your appointment and learn more
about flossing from our experts at Woo Wang Dental by calling 301.993.1833 and 240.683.3833 or by visiting MyBestDentalCare.com.
3 mybestdentalcare.com
Made with FlippingBook Online document