Flossing: It’s more important than you think

The health of your mouth is vital to your overall health and wellbeing. The mouth-body connection has been well-documented, with a growing number of studies linking oral disease with various systemic diseases. Yet, oral care continues to be overlooked as an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Particularly flossing is all too often forgotten. It is also far more important than you may realize.

Importance of Flossing from dentist in Moonee Ponds

Why a healthy mouth matters

Studies have linked severe periodontal disease with a tenfold increase in the risk of heart attack and a 700 percent increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes. Oral disease is also associated with bad breath, pneumonia, ED (erectile dysfunction), dementia, kidney disease, and more. This is attributed to the chronic, systemic inflammation associated with gum disease. One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent this is to brush and floss regularly.

Don’t underestimate the power of floss

Plaque is the soft, sticky, bacteria-filled film that clings to teeth. If you brush properly, you remove plaque from about two-thirds of the teeth’s surfaces. If you floss properly, you clean the remaining surfaces. What happens if you skip it? In as little as a day plaque begins transforming into tartar, which is a hard substance that can’t be removed easily with brushing and flossing. It usually remains where it is until your next hygienist cleaning. Meanwhile, it gives bacteria an opportunity to erode tooth enamel and invade gum tissue, leading to cavities and periodontal disease.

Despite the risks, an alarming number of Australians routinely neglect oral hygiene. According to the Australian Dental Association:

  • Every year, 11 million newly decayed teeth develop.
  • Nearly 60 percent of Australians say that they expect to develop tooth decay at some point.
  • About 90 percent of oral disease could be avoided with good hygiene and dental care.
  • Over 30 percent of Australians report brushing only once a day rather than twice.
  • Most survey respondents admitted to flossing less frequently than once a day, or not at all.
  • Over 80 percent of Australians rated tooth decay and bad breath as their biggest turnoffs.

 

Easy and effective flossing technique

Flossing does not need to be a cumbersome task. It can be accomplished efficiently with just a few simple steps:

  • Use a piece of floss about 40-45 cm, and wrap the ends around your index fingers.
  • Slide floss between teeth, and pull snugly against one tooth in a C – shape.
  • Use back-and-forth as well as up-and-down motion to scrub the tooth.
  • Pull it snugly against the opposite tooth, and repeat to clean it.
  • Repeat this process for each tooth until you have cleaned the “hidden” side of all upper and lower teeth.

It’s never too late to begin great oral hygiene habits. If you already have decay or gum disease, we can help you restore and maintain optimal oral health. Call our Sunbury office at 03 8001 6021 or our Moonee Ponds office at 03 8400 4104 and schedule an appointment.

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Smile In Style Dental office near Moonee Ponds and Sunbury

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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
Some of the services you can expect to find at Smile in Style include: Our goal is to work together with you to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile, whilst ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.
Dr. Terry Rose Dr. Sally Fairbairn Dr. Helen Luo Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar Dr. Darshan Brar Dr. Jasdeep Kaur

Dr. Terry Rose

Dr. Terry Rose completed his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. He then moved to Australia and founded Smile in Style in 1990. With over 25 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Rose has been a Progressive Orthodontic Seminar instructor. He is an Accredited Biological Dentist certified in the SMART protocol through the IAOMT and completed the LA&HA Master’s Program in Laser Dentistry. In 2021, he was named an Advanced Instructor in dental lasers, and he continues to train dentists in laser and CEREC technology.

Importance of Flossing from dentist in Moonee Ponds

Dr. Sally Fairbairn

Dr. Sally Fairbairn completed her Bachelor of Science before earning her Bachelor of Oral Health in Dentistry from Griffith University in 2011. She also earned a Graduate Diploma in Dentistry. Certified in Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) by the IAOMT, she is expanding her expertise by pursuing accreditation as a Biological Dentist. Dr. Sally’s proficiency in biological dentistry and dedication to ongoing education have established her as a trusted dentist.

Dr. Helen Luo

Dr. Helen Luo graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, where she was recognised with a prize in Paediatric Dentistry. Since joining Smile In Style in 1998, she has gained extensive experience using CEREC for inlays, onlays, and crowns, as well as using the Dental Laser for both children and adults. Dr. Luo is also certified in the SMART technique by the IAOMT and offers advanced teeth whitening with the Kör system. She enjoys treating children as well as adults in the Sunbury surgery.

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar graduated from the University of Melbourne and completed a residency in functional breathing and craniofacial pain. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthodontics from Progressive Orthodontic Seminars and is a Certified Clear Aligner Practitioner. A member of the IAOMT, Dr. Rajcoomar is SMART certified and completed an oral surgery course at the University of Melbourne. Her broad expertise and commitment to continuing education make her a well-rounded dental professional.

Dr. Darshan Brar

Dr. Darshan Brar earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India in 2001 and obtained her Australian Dental Council Certificate in 2010. She is trained in Safe Amalgam Removal using the SMART Technique. She has an interest in Endodontics and same day inlays/onlays and crowns using CEREC. Dr. Brar’s commitment to continuing education ensures she stays current with the latest advancements in dental care, providing her patients with high-quality, modern treatment options.

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur is an experienced general dentist who earned her Bachelor of Dentistry in India in 2012 and completed the Australian Dental Council Exam in 2017. She has experience working in regional Victoria with Community Health and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Dr. Kaur is skilled in the SMART technique for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal and offers a range of cosmetic treatments, including full mouth restorations, teeth whitening, crowns, and bridges. She embraces modern technology and is committed to ongoing education to continue providing her patients with the highest level of care.