Why am I writing about teeth?  Well, if you are anything like me, you haven't been to the dentist much since COVID 19 started.  I usually go at least 3 times a year for teeth cleaning, get regular periodontal check-ups, and take action immediately if I feel anything strange going on.

I thought a gentle reminder and a refresher may be a nice idea.  The mouth and gums really mirror what is going on in the body.  Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis that can cause tooth loss and heart disease. Genetics plays a role in gum health, but daily hygiene is our best bet to keep our pearly whites sparkling.

First of all, flossing is essential and needs to be done every day.  Always wash your hands first, especially during a pandemic.  Start by taking 18 inches of floss and wind it around your finger.  I like the Glide mint floss but you can find what works for you.  Tarter appears every 48 hours so it is something we have to make a habit.  I know you are supposed to floss right before bed, but that can be problematic for me, as I hate to floss when I am tired.  I prefer to floss earlier which guarantees I don't fall asleep and forget.  It agrees with my philosophy of doing the best you can.  I don't eat perfect or follow a super strict exercise routine, but I am consistent, eat well, exercise most days of the week, and floss at least 5 days.  

Flossing correctly involves sliding the floss up one side of the tooth and gently down the side of the adjacent tooth.  You unwind the floss to get to a clean section and move to the next tooth until you are finished.  My family likes to use floss picks but I find they break between my teeth.  See what works best for you.  

I have had some gum issues, which I find strange as I do not eat that many sticky foods and brush and floss regularly.  Therefore, I buy gum picks and keep them in my car.  They are great!  When I am at a light, I take one out and go between my teeth.  They have little comb-like bristles on them.  The periodontist told me to go back and forth about 5 times between each tooth.  It's annoying but beats having to get an implant.  That nasty bacteria can do a number on your gums if you are not careful and can threaten the integrity of your tooth.

As you probably know, raisins, dates, and other sticky, sweet, substances are the worst foods for your teeth!  It isn't ice cream, folks.  I find protein bars also are very tough to get out from between the teeth.  If you eat protein bars, I believe it is smart to drink a bunch of water and get the floss or gum picks out right after.  

I'll never forget my beloved grandma washing dishes in her kitchen and telling me to take care of my teeth when I was a young girl.  She was an angel from heaven and had 8 teeth in her mouth when she passed away at 84.  My other wonderful grandma died much younger at 60, and I have been told that she never had a cavity or grey hair.  My advice, do what you can and don't overthink it.