Dental Tip - Flossing

Flossing is one of the most effective methods of keeping your teeth and gums healthy yet many overlook it. Don’t skip this step in your oral routine. Follow these simple rules for proper flossing techniques: (www.mayoclinic.com)

·         Don't skimp. Break off about 18 inches (46 centimeters) of dental floss. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger on one hand, and the rest around the middle finger on the other hand — leaving about 1 inch (3 centimeters) to floss your first tooth.

·         Take it one tooth at a time. Use your thumbs and forefingers to gently pull the floss from the gumline to the top of the tooth to scrape off plaque. Rub the floss against all sides of the tooth. Unwind to fresh floss as you progress to the next tooth.

·         Keep it up. If you have trouble getting floss through your teeth, try the waxed variety. If it's hard to manipulate the floss, use a floss holder or an inter-dental cleaner — such as a dental pick or stick designed to clean between the teeth.

Dental Tip - Healthy Brushing

Many of us don’t put much thought into brushing and can develop bad habits of improper brushing. When you brush your teeth, keep in mind these important tips to keep them healthy: (www.mayoclinic.com)

·         Brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, don't rush. Take enough time to do a thorough job.

·         Use the proper equipment. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.

·         Practice good technique. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and brush with short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums.

·         Keep your equipment clean. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Store your toothbrush in an upright position, if possible, and allow it to air dry until using it again. Don't routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, which can encourage the growth of bacteria.

·         Know when to replace your toothbrush. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three to four months — or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

NAMIWalk Austin 5K

Join others is raising awareness and help build better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness. The organization NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will be having their 7^th Annual NAMI Austin Walk on Saturday, October 6^th. Last year the Austin walk had over 2,000 walkers and raised over $200,000 for NAMI’s programs.

For more information and to learn more about how you can help, visit http://www.namiaustin.org/namiwalks/