Last night I watched a movie, ate some popcorn, and got one of those pesky kernels stuck in my teeth. After aggressively fishing it out, I noticed my gum was bleeding a bit. That got me thinking about one of our most common questions from patients: “Why does flossing make my gums bleed?”

Generally, flossing should not cause your gum to bleed. If it does, consider it an early sign of periodontal (gum) disease and get yourself to a hygienist.

Flossing is important. When you brush and skip flossing, you miss cleaning 35% of your teeth. The harmful bacteria that is left behind causes irritation and inflammation. If left untreated, the bacteria can get into your bloodstream or cause irreversible jaw bone damage.

So the short answer is “No”. Flossing does not make your gums bleed. Bacteria and infection does.

-Sarah

If you have any questions about flossing or your oral health, we are happy to answer them. Call our office at 207-781-2448!

We get this question all the time from patients who want straight teeth without traditional braces, so I thought we’d better share it with our whole patient family.

How do I clean my invisible braces?

The “invisible” braces we offer our patients can be removed for brushing and flossing. The aligners do not need special cleaning treatment and the best part is you get a new set every 2 weeks. You may notice that dental plaque will accumulate on the aligners just as it does on your teeth. You can brush the aligners with a toothbrush or other small brush to remove this plaque and prevent staining.

If you want a “deeper cleaning”, you can also make a soaking solution by diluting hydrogen peroxide with water (equal parts). Hydrogen peroxide will help kill bacteria. If you have an old set of aligners, experiment using the new cleaner on them before you use it with your current set.

* Remember to use warm (not hot) water when cleaning your aligners so they do warp.

If you have other questions about your invisible braces treatment, feel free to call us at 781-2448!

Raisins may be sticky and sweet, but they’re not as bad for teeth as traditionally believed, according to a study in Pediatric Dentistry.

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago report that eating bran flakes with raisins containing no added sugar does not promote more acid in dental plaque than eating bran flakes alone.

Like many other sugary snacks and foods, raisins and cereal can stick to your teeth and cause decay overtime. They will be less damaging to teeth if proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, is exercised so make sure you brush after breakfast!

A Perfect Smile is now on Twitter as @SMILEMAINE ! Follow us for special offers, healthy living tips, smile stories, and more!

I’m sure you never expected Dr. Nelson to tell you not to brush your teeth, but one time you SHOULDN”T clean your teeth is right after you drink a soda. Acid in the drink, combined with the abrasive action of brushing, can erode your tooth enamel. “To protect your teeth, sip water or chew gum to activate your saliva. This will neutralize the acid,” Dr. Nelson recommends.  If you have questions about proper brushing techniques and what is best for you, send us an email at sarah@portlandmainedentist.com or ask your hygienist at your next visit.

Here’s an NPR story on the proposed children’s dental health bill reform!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113792939

What do you think about the new plan?

- Sarah

We just read this blog about soda and your body and encourage you to do the same.

http://www.sugarshockblog.com/2009/09/soda-a-fast-way-to-pack-on-the-pounds.html

If you have questions about your diet and how it may impact your smile, give us a call. We are happy to answer any questions you may have!

 Heidi is having a baby in September. Here are a few shots from her celebration at A Perfect Smile. We can’t wait to meet baby Riley!

A Perfect Smile wants to know how you are staying fit and healthy during this heat wave! Post your “hot Maine summer fit tips” on our Facebook page and we’ll send you a special “get fit” gift!  Visit www.facebook.com today and become a fan of A Perfect Smile.