Our modern population’s life expectancy is longer than at any time in human history, specifically in developed nations where medicine and proper nutrition are readily available. Many factors influence this fact, including healthy lifestyle choices and access to vaccines, medicines and therapies – all of which improve our systemic health and helps us live longer. As education about health risks (specifically smoking) and social movements around nutrition (Slow-Food, Farm to Table) gain traction, more options for healthy living are becoming accepted and habits that promote health are being adopted.

We Americans spend a lot of time and money in the gym and on other self-improvement. And while personal trainers increase the accountability for putting in the hours to build muscle and improve cardio conditioning, many people overlook a simple oral health workout they can perform in their own homes each day. When combined with other healthy habits, using that tiny strand of dental floss daily can add more than 3 years––healthy ones––to your life. It’s right there at your fingertips.

At Jones Bridge Dental Care, our team of dentists and hygienists are here to detect and prevent a serious and prevalent risk to your oral health, periodontal disease. The American Academy of Periodontology defines periodontal disease as a chronic inflammatory disease caused when bacteria in plaque below the gum line lead to swelling, irritation, and possibly receding gums and tooth loss. When we brush our teeth, the toothbrush is only able to reach the gum line or just slightly below. Only by using dental floss below the gum line can we break up the biofilm that traps harmful germs. Bacteria under the gum line, when not removed, gather more bacteria and leads to the early gum disease, gingivitis, which is reversible with early detection and treatment. Periodontitis, by comparison, is a chronic disease that cannot be reversed, only treated. There are health consequences to acquiring periodontal disease. Proven medical science holds that chronic inflammatory conditions lead to hardening of the arteries and cardiovascular disease, which the #1 cause of non-accidental death in the United States.

Our hygiene team monitors and records the evidence of gum line bacteria–in the form of plaque and tartar on your teeth–at every visit. We also take measurements of the attachment of your gums to the teeth. This clinical data helps us keep track of your oral health and it’s why an ongoing conversation with your hygienist about your home care and health habits is important. However, a national survey conducted in June, 2015 shows that 25% of American are not completely honest about their home care efforts with their dentist. The implication of this survey suggests that many of our friends and neighbors are not willing to admit that they don’t use dental floss that often. Our dental team is committed to your oral health, and we are here to help motivate you to reach your oral fitness goals.

Modern society is filled with marketing messages (Lose Weight Fast!) and information overload is everywhere. Our message is a simple one: visit your health partners at Jones Bridge Dental Care routinely and adopt as many healthy habits as possible, including using dental floss as part of your daily homecare routine!