30 Seconds for a Better You

Need a New Year’s Resolution? What if you could add up to six years to your life, improve your cardiovascular health, help fight and control systemic conditions (such as diabetes), improve your looks and social status, and save money…all by doing one thing a day for 30 seconds? Sounds like an infomercial, doesn't it?

Well, you can! And guess what it is: FLOSSING.

Add years to your life: Studies show flossing can add up to six years to your life by ridding your mouth of harmful bacteria and toxins.

Cardiovascular health: Poor oral health is correlated with atherosclerosis, also called "hardening of the arteries," where plaque deposits form on the arterial walls and in essence clog them up. These plaques can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions. You want a healthy heart? Start with a healthy mouth.

Systemic conditions: Studies strongly link flossing to better blood sugar levels control in diabetics. It has also been shown to be a possible link to reducing the risk of pneumonia, alzheimers, arthritis, and breast cancer.

Improve your looks: Nobody likes the “inflamed gums” look. And certainly, no one likes a smile full of cavities.

Improve your social status: You don’t want to be known as the guy or girl that doesn’t floss, do you? But seriously, you probably do want fresh breath. If you’re not flossing, then there is bacteria breeding and hanging out in there, which I can promise you does not smell good.

Save money: You have to spend money to save money, but I guarantee a $3 pack of floss is a lot cheaper than a filling, periodontal treatment, or further treatment for any of the systemic/cardiovascular conditions mentioned earlier.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas...(from your dentist)

My wife and I recently visited New York where we were able to stand beneath the gorgeous Rockefeller Plaza Christmas Tree. If you are still in need of a few gift ideas for loved ones to place beneath your own tree, here is a list of some of my favorite things:

Oral-B ProfessionalCare Series Electric Toothbrush – Electric toothbrushes are one item that I truly do believe you get what you pay for. If you’re going to get one, it’s worth dishing out a little extra cash for a good one.

AirFloss made by Sonicare – Is it better than flossing? Probably not. Are you more likely to actually use it? Absolutely. And for all the “floss-slackers” out there, something is 100% better than nothing. This is a cool product. I use one personally. It’s quick, easy, and less messy than a waterpik.

ACT Alcohol-Free Anticavity Rinse – Great product for fighting cavities

Trident Xtra Care Sugar-Free Gum containing Recaldent – Chewing gum can actually be good for you?! YES!

Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle – Why? Because all of us need to be drinking more water! It’s good for your teeth. It’s good for your gums. It’s good for your body. Water is just very good for us and we don’t drink enough. Less Cokes….more water.

Firefly Light-Up Children’s Toothbrush – It's a toy, no it's a toothbrush. Well, it's kind of both. They have all different characters…superheroes, Barbies, Hot Wheels, etc and they light up! Your kids might actually enjoy brushing properly. Establish good habits young.

Orabrush Tongue Brush – as Orabrush says, “90% of bad breath comes from a dirty tongue”. While that number is a little debatable, there is a lot of funky bacteria on your tongue. Why wouldn’t you clean that thing off?