Advanced+Family Dentistry - April 2019

Which Flossing Method Should You Use?

WATER FLOSSERS VS. DENTAL FLOSS

If you’ve ever visited the dentist, it’s more than likely you’ve been asked how frequently you floss. Truthfully, many people choose not to floss — in fact, only about 4 in 10 Americans do. The act of flossing can be difficult for some people, but it’s one of the most important daily habits you can develop to sustain overall health.

flosser since it’s easier to use, especially if you have braces, dental implants, or nonremovable bridgework.

Dental Floss

The Importance of Flossing

SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES Dentists recommend that, whichever method you choose, you should floss at least once a day for optimal teeth and gum health. To get into the habit of flossing more regularly, try to floss before you brush your teeth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, that’s the “ideal sequence for the most thorough removal of dental plaque.” Floss has been around for about 200 years, but it didn’t become popular until after WWII. Dental floss functions similarly to a water flosser, except that instead of using a stream of water, you manually floss between your teeth and along your gums to remove debris, bacteria, and tartar. Many individuals prefer to use dental floss because it allows you to have more control when you floss. However, it can sometimes cause the gums to bleed, which is why many prefer water flossers.

Flossing is a vital part of maintaining oral health because it removes food, bacteria, and plaque that toothbrushes can’t reach. A person who brushes their teeth but doesn’t floss is more likely to suffer from poor oral health than someone who flosses once a day. And in the dental world, there are two popular methods of flossing: water flossers and dental floss.

Water Flossers

Water flossers shoot out a jet of water that flows between the teeth as its nozzle moves along the gum line. The pressurized water blasts your gums and the hard-to-reach places, removing food, debris, plaque, and bacteria in pulsating bursts. Although these devices can be expensive, many people prefer the water

SUDOKU

PASTA PRIMAVERA

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta, ideally fusilli • 1/2 pound broccoli florets • 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

Directions

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 cheese, and serve.

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