Do I REALLY Need to Floss????

The dreaded question from the hygienist:  "Are you flossing???"

You think to yourself if I say "Yes" will they know I'm lying?  The answer is "Yes, Yes we do!"

So what's the big deal why do you need to floss?

A very common misconception about flossing is that because it can often times cause the gums to bleed, and become sensitive, many people want to simply avoid it. Doing so can actually increase the severity of gum disease. When the gums bleed, nine times out of ten, it’s as a result of bacterial infection present; gingivitis.  Give yourself 3 weeks of flossing every night and you'll see a big decrease in bleeding and sensitivity after flossing!

Some Facts for you:
1.  Within seven minutes of eating or drinking anything, tiny bacteria from the food/drink particles aggregate together and begin to form a sticky film all over the oral cavity.

2.  Within an hour or so that microscopic layer of bacteria begins to form plaque.

3.  As plaque sits on the enamel and gum tissue it begins to mineralize, or harden. If left long enough, it can actually become as solid as a rock. This new formation is termed tartar or calculus,

4.  Brushing and flossing do an excellent job at removing plaque ("sticky film") from your teeth and gums BUT the bristles of the toothbrush and the material composition of the floss are NOT strong enough to remove calculus (hardened plaque). 

5.  Your dental hygienists’ instruments have blades and cutting surfaces, which are specifically designed to remove calculus (hardened plaque).



6.  Flossing will remove the plaque from between your teeth which mean less calculus for the hygienist to remove!!!!  YEAH!!!  Everyone's happy now!

Still don't want to floss.....

Ok try this!  FLOSS YOUR TEETH BEFORE YOU BRUSH!!!

Why?  Because lets face it after we brush (for 2 mins!) our teeth feel CLEAN, who is going to floss if their mouth feels clean????  So floss then brush then you'll be going to bed with CLEAN teeth!!! 

So to answer the question "Do I really need to floss?" I would say "Only the ones you want to keep!"

So if you want clean teeth and healthy gums give us a call at (804) 288-8200 and we'll get you scheduled or you can always check us out online www.BaicyDental.com, see you soon!

8 Benefits of Brushing- (That have NOTHING to do with your TEETH!)

Eight Benefits of Tooth Brushing- That have Nothing to do with your Teeth!

We are all aware that brushing your teeth on a regular basis prevents cavities and keeps you smiling.  But there are many other surprising benefits, including these eight that don't have to do with your teeth!

1. According to a study published in The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Participants who did not brush on a regular basis had a 65 percent greater chance of developing dementia compared to those who did brush.  So don't forget to brush!!
2. A study in The American Journal of Medicine found that regular brushing decreases the chance of stroke!  Wow- two very serious diseases can be curtailed with good oral hygiene.  And the list goes on.....
3. As any dentist, hygienist or physician can tell you, regular brushing (and flossing) helps to prevent gum disease.  But you may not know that along with causing stinky breath and unattractive smiles, gum disease is a major indicator of heart disease and the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.
4. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology has shown that increased brushing decreases the risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and COPD.  Why?  Bacteria which form on the teeth make their way into the lungs and respiratory tract, wreaking havoc along the way.
5. Dental researcher Dr. Caitia Gazola has shown that having healthy teeth and gums increases the chances of having healthy babies, while dental disease can cause underweight pre-term babies.
6. Prevention magazine has reported that regular brushing can help you maintain a healthy weight! Why? Brushing your teeth indicates to your brain that mealtime is over.  Plus- food just doesn't taste as good with squeaky clean teeth!
7. Several studies have shown that men with poor oral hygiene are at grater risk for erectile dysfunction.
8. Have a heart- a healthy one that is!  The American Journal of Medicine has linked dental health with heart attack risk.

So if clean teeth, fresh breath, a beautiful smile and fewer cavities aren't enough, here are eight reasons why brushing your teeth on a regular basis can save your life!  Plus let's face it- going around with a big piece of tomato stuck between your chompers is not the most attractive look in the world!

Just as important as brushing your teeth is doing it correctly.  And if you are not getting regular dental cleanings, your efforts aren't nearly as effective.

At Dr. Baicy's office, we care about your dental health and your medical health too!!!  If you have any questions or need to make an appointment please call us at 804-288-8200 or online at www.BaicyDental.com.  We are here to help you!!!

Do you Brush Correctly?

Only 1 in 10 people brush effectively!  Do YOU?

To that, we have to say a great big "YUCK"!!! Imagine if only ten percent of the population showered correctly.  That would be GROSS. But according to researchers at The University of Gothenburg, 90% of the population does not brush their teeth in the right way!

Don't worry!! We are here to help you. So sit back and open wide as we present....

The TOP 8 Toothbrushing Tips!

     1. SIZE MATTERS

Many people use a large toothbrush head thinking "the bigger the better".  But you can brush just as effectively if not more so with a smaller brush, especially if you have to strain your mouth to use a larger one.

According to dental consumer advisor Dr. Richard Price, "the more comfortable it is in your mouth and your hand, then the more liekly you will use it and use it properly."

     2.  IT'S GOOD TO BE A SOFTY!

It would seem to make sense that fimer bristles would clean your teeth better, but many times they just wind up damaging your sensitive gum tissue.  The American Dental Assocation recommends a soft-bristled brush and we agree!

     3. DON'T DO A RUSH JOB!

While most people spend 15 seconds or so per round of brushing, a full 2 minutes is best.  And to make sure you don't play favorites, divide your mouth into 4 sections and spend 30 seconds on each.

Some electric toothbrushes actually have timers!

     4.  WHAT'S YOUR ANGLE?

While we typically picture toothbrushing to be a horizontal affair, that leaves out many important tooth surfaces, including the crucial areas where the tooth meets the gum line.  Aim your bristles at a 45 degree angle and make sure they gently dip below the outer surface of your gums.  This can get very tricky, and we recommend that you have Christine give you a full demonstration next time your in!

     5. IT'S AN INSIDE JOB!

The inner surfaces of the teeth are often overlooked, but just because they hide from daylight doesn't mean you should neglect them!  Take the time to brush all tooth surfaces, inside and out.  Oh and don't forget your tongue either!

     6.  RINSE-A-RAMA!

After you brush, loose bacteria are floating around in your mouth having a big old party.  It's time to finish them up with a rinse of mouthwash or even water.  They're on your toothbrush too, so it's always a good idea to run that under the faucet for a few seconds when you finish!

     7.  FORCED RETIREMENT!

Many people get nostalgic over their old toothbrushes, but keeping them for too long is a big mistake!  Frayed bristles can't celan correctly, and even worse- they harbor all kinds of nasty germs.  The American Dental Assocation suggests changing your toothbrush every three to four months- but we think that may even be too long of an interval for many.  When in doubt- toss it out!

     8.  AND THERE'S ONE MORE THING.....

Even though we are discussing toothbrushing, it just wouldn't be complete without mentioning those tooth surfaces between your teeth- the ones that can't be reached with a brush.  Yes, that's right- we all need to floss!! Daily flossing prevents cavities and helps to keep your gums in good shape.

At Baicy Dental we want you to have strong healthy teeth and gums, fresh breath and a beautiful smile!  Please call us at 804-288-8200 or go online at www.BaicyDental.com to schedule an appointment, ask any questions about keeping your teeth and gums nice and clean.  We are here for you!

If you want to learn more about us check out our Website, Facebook and Twitter.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Spit Won't Quit

Spit Won't Quit!!!

No one likes to get their blood taken-- it's just NOT Fun!!! But it's the only way that we can be tested for diabetes, anemia, cholesterol levels, and many other important health issues.  Well, that may soon be changing!!!

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University are saying there may now be a much easier way to detect illness- SPIT!

YES- good old saliva contains DNA, enzymes, hormones, proteins, and lots of other good stuff that are making it a great candidate for medical testing.  And best of all, it's simple and painless to collect.

Recently trials have been done with saliva to test for heart disease risk, HIV, hormone-related diseases, and even children's performance in school.

It's tough to even compare the ease of spitting in a cup versus having a needle poked into your vein.  As Dr. Steven Hirschfeld of The National Institutes of Health said, "We like tests that are fast, inexpensive, and can be repeated multiple times."

Saliva already has lots of jobs.  It softens food as you chew it, making that grilled cheese sandwich much easier to swallow.  It helps your tongue to taste things, is the first step in digestion, and it cleans the inside of your mouth and rinses your teeth.  Most people produce one to two liters of saliva every day!!

If you feel like your mouth is always dry, be sure to let us know.  It could be caused by medications, aging, or possibly a serious medical condition.  And get prepared for the day when instead of someone saying "please roll up your sleeve for a blood test," they simply ask you to spit in a cup!

If you have questions about dry mouth or any other dental issues, please remember that at Baicy Dental we are here for you!  Please give us a call at 804-288-8200.

We're looking forward to seeing you soon!

Dental Insurance: To Buy or Not to Buy?

 Facts to consider before buying Dental Insurance

With the rising cost of going to the dentist, many people are struggling with the decision of whether or not to purchase dental insurance. Whether you are considering buying dental insurance through your employer or independently, be sure to investigate several different plans and ask questions about the factors listed below. This information will help you choose the right dental insurance plan before signing on the dotted line. 

Affordability and Yearly Maximum

The yearly maximum is the most money that the dental insurance plan will pay within one full year. The yearly maximum will automatically renew every year. If you have unused benefits, these will not roll over. Most dental insurance companies allow an average yearly maximum of $1,000. 

In/Out of Network Dentists

Most independent dental insurance plans will only pay for your dental services if you go to a contracted and participating In-Network Dentist. Find out if you are required to go to a participating dentist or if you can choose your own. If the plan requires that you see an In-Network Dentist, ask for a list of the dentists in your area with whom they are contracted so you can decide if they have a dentist you would consider seeing.

If you wish to stay with your current dentist, some policies allow you to see an Out-of-Network Dentist, however, the costs covered may be significantly lowered. 

UCR (Usual Customary and Reasonable)

Almost all dental insurance companies use what is called a Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR) fee guide. This means that they set their own price that they will allow for every dental procedure that they cover. This is not based on what a dentist actually charges, but what the dental insurance company wishes to cover. For example, your dentist may charge $78 for a dental cleaning, but your insurance company will only allow $58 because that is the UCR fee that they have set. 

If you are on a policy that requires you to go to a participating provider, you should not be charged the difference between these two prices. A contracted dentist generally has an agreement with the insurance company to write off the difference in charges. If the policy allows you to go to a dentist of your choice, check the insurance company’s UCR fee guide against the fees that dentist charges. You may be required to pay the difference out of your pocket, however, you cannot put a price tag on quality dental care. 

At Baicy Dental, we would be glad to discuss your insurance and any questions you may have about picking a new insurance plan . Just give  our Office Manager, Michelle a call at (804) 288-8200. Or check us out on- line at www.BaicyDental.com. 

The Most Confusing Aisle In The Store???

If you have been shopping for toothpaste lately, you know that it can be very confusing.

Unlike the old days when the choices were few, these days it seems that there are way too many options! Whitening toothpastes, tartar control, paste or gel, gum health, desensitizing, – which is best? This is a question we get asked all the time. Sometimes it seems like the best thing to do would be to forget the labels and buy whatever is on sale!!

The fact is – buying a particular type or brand of toothpaste is usually not as important as the way you brush and how often you do so. But in any case, here is a quick run-down.

Tartar control toothpaste:  Tartar is calcified plaque which naturally forms and can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. While tartar control toothpaste has been shown to reduce the formation of new deposits, it can’t remove current ones and does nothing to prevent these formations where they are the most dangerous – underneath the gum line.

Paste vs. gel: No significant difference here; it’s more of a personal preference.

Desensitizing toothpaste:  These pastes have ingredients in them which block the small tube-like channels that connect to the nerve tissue inside of your teeth. If you have exposed roots due to gum recession or teeth that are generally sensitive to hot and cold, this may be a good solution for you. But please be patient – it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the magic to kick in.

Whitening pastes:  The abrasiveness of these products may reduce surface stains, but they do little to treat the actual yellowing of teeth from the inside. The good news is that most teeth can be whitened with the right treatment. Be sure to ask us what the proper whitening method is for you.

“Gum Care” toothpaste: Studies have shown these to be questionable at best, and they may not be as valuable as standard toothpastes in preventing cavities.

Expensive or bargain brand? The good news here is that price doesn’t seem to be related to effectiveness when choosing a toothpaste. As a matter of fact, recently Consumer Reports magazine rated an expensive paste near the bottom of their list with bargain basement Ultra-Brite near the top in several categories!

So which brand should I use?

Most studies are fairly inconclusive on this one. Your best bet is always a brand that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association seal of approval. And if that brand happens to be on sale – all the better!!

In the end, the most important thing is to brush often (morning, night-time, and after every meal), use a soft brush, try to reach every surface of every tooth, and spend two minutes doing so.

The proper technique is important as well, and we will be glad to demonstrate this to you at your next visit to Cosmetic Dentistry of Baicy Dental! If you have any more questions or would like to set up a visit, please give us a call at 804-288-8200. We are here to help you!

Did you know that we are now on Facebook? Please “like” our page at www.facebook.com/BaicyDental for great dental health tips, contests, giveaways, and great special announcements!