I find it to be surprising the number of people I hear from and the benefits they get from oral irrigation. However, these folks are not just using any old oral irrigator.

Irrigators are not all created equal. Some have a special technology that allows them to reduce more plaque build up than others.

The principle behind reducing plaque is very simple. Actually, reducing it isn’t actually the goal, although reducing it does help. The hydrofloss is the tool that has been shown to reduce plaque build up between office visits.

You see, plaque is a very mundane term for something that is a bit more insidious when explained. Plaque is a alive! It is a living biofilm made up of a number of substances, the worst for us being bacteria.

The plaque creates a problem for us human beings. Since it is a film, it produces a more or less airtight space. It is in this space that something terrible happens. Some bacteria, when they do not have oxygen, revert to a form of metabolism called ‘anaerobic’.

This form of metabolism is harmful to the human host because of the toxic byproducts that come from it. These acidic, toxic substances can harm our dental enamel and our gum tissue.

This explains the reason why you have been told to brush and floss daily. Trouble is, that may not be enough. The proof is in what dental health care professional and public health workers know. Statistics say that up to 75% of people have some form of gum disease in their mouth right now!

It is staggering when you think about it. Most people brush, fewer floss, but even if you do both, you may still be headed for trouble.

Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and researchers suspect that it can lead to many systemic diseases such as heart attacks and stroke.

Learn more about the ‘best’ oral irrigator.

Read more on the topic of saving your teeth and gums and preventing expensive dental bills!

*  This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to give advice, diangosis or treatment.  If you have or think you might have a health problem, including but not limited to a dental health problem, be sure to contact your dentist or doctor for advice, diagnosis and treatment.  The USFDA has not evaluated statements about  products in this article.

gum disease

Do you believe that gums must recede as we age? If you do, then it might seem natural to you to lose teeth. I have known people in their late 80′s and I am surprised to see that they still have their complete set of teeth. They say that they have been very cautious when it comes to the food they intake and with proper home care.

Funny how some elderly would stick out their dentures and scare their grand children away – happy bonding time with the family, something really worth reminiscing. But do you know that there is more to life than just making the children in your family have a good time when they see you play with your dentures? Besides brushing and flossing, have you tried the hydrofloss yet? 

Perhaps you are making it appealing to them so that they tend to like the idea or at least accept that they would lose their teeth one by one. I have actually asked a child who had his first permanent molar extracted at the age of 12. Imagine how many years more he has to live without his first molar. This does not bother him as he is actually enjoying the idea that he may soon wear dentures. Wouldn’t it be better to use a mouthwash like therabreath?

Some patients sound weird as they talk to the receptionist that they are having several incisors extracted due to little discolorations. I thought to myself, I am so fortunate to have mine complete never having to undergo multiple extractions and never ever considering having one. Essential oils, like those in Oramd may be helpful. 

And I realized that the greatest secret of the successful ones is that they meticulously cared for their teeth throughout their lifetime. You don’t have to lose your teeth as you grow old. Gum recession does not have to be part of the aging process.

Learn more about what you can do to prevent or stop gum disease.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

Since I began offering the Hydro Floss oral irrigator at the Toothy Grins Store, I have had the good fortune to speak to many people.

A very interesting conversation occurred this past week. A gentleman from Minnesota called me and we had quite a conversation.

He was looking to purchase a hydro floss for his own use. I typically ask people if they have used one before and I have grown used to people telling me how much they like the hydro floss and how it has helped them personally kind of like therabreath.

This time, a slightly different story came forth. He was initially told about the Hydro Floss by his hygienist. This is not unusual at all, many dentists and hygienists recommend the Hydro Floss to their patients.

But he took things one step further. He has two friends, one is a periodontist and one is an oral surgeon and he asked them both about this device. He was surprised to hear that they both personally use the hydro floss.

But the oral surgeon did something a little differently and it was an eye opener for me. It is one of those moments when the ‘light bulb’ came on.

She also uses the Pocket Pal Jet Tips. This surprised me because I had believed the Pocket Pal’s were only needed for people who had 5 to 6 mm pockets. Well, you can bet this person, an expert on oral health, has gums that are in good shape. SHE uses the pocket pal jet tips as a preventive measure.

I hadn’t considered this before. While the regular tips are made to be used at right angles to the teeth and gums. The pocket pals are used to shoot water directly into the pockets.

So, I thought something like, “It makes sense to use them to maintain / improve the health of gum tissue”. Since that conversation, I’ve been using the pocket pal jet tip after my regular use of the Hydro Floss and I think it is a good practice for me personally! Read more about the Hydro Floss and the jet tips at ToothyGrinsStore.com

Disclaimer: This post is for information purposes only. It does not intend to render advice, treatment or diagnosis for any health condition. If you have or think you might have a health problem of any kind, visit your periodontist or physician for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any products mentioned on this site or in this article