Let's talk about flossing......

At my current workplace ~ a dental office in case you haven't read much of my blog ~ we have morning meetings.  Basically they are designed to review the schedule, decide if there are any issues we need to be aware of (like if the patient is chronically late, or is terrified of the dentist, or requires premedications because they have a joint replacement).  In late August, it was a little different due to this story:

Go here to read the story about how you don't need to floss anymore.....

Those of us who hadn't read the story literally gasped!....gasped!  The hygienists were outraged.  The doctors were incredulous.  How could anyone have the audacity to write this!  Sacriledge!  The world is coming to an end!

Ok, I sort of overemphasized their reactions.....except the hygienists.  They truly were outraged.  The horror.

So, about a month ago, one of our hygienists devised a plan to show all of us just how important flossing is, by using disclosing drops and then giving us a varied number of options to remove the plaque between our teeth.  Have you ever used disclosing solution?  Here's what it looks like:

I used to use the tablets on my kids when they were little, just to point out the places they missed during their nightly before bed brush-a-thon.  I don't think the tablets are as widely available these days, although I think you can still order it on Amazon, or directly from Gum products online.  

It was a nightmare, because I was wearing a white shirt that I've only had a month and I was terrified that I would get some of that crap on it.  Luckily, it didn't happen.  But it does point out just how difficult it is to remove plaque between your teeth.  I ended up with a woven floss that worked very well.  But there are tons of products out there to try.   

Anyway, the point of all of this is that ~ yeah, you really should still floss.  If not every day, then at least 4 times a week.  Some patients refuse to do it.  I think they drive the hygienists crazy.  If you have a chance to test yourself, do it...it's an eye opener.

Love, 365