Money, Money, Money

No, this isn't a post about your cash getting burned up in the gas tank.  Nowadays, costs seem to be rising for everything.  Sometimes, although we would like to save money by skipping our cleaning appointments with the dentist, we may be hurting our wallets more in the future.  Many insurance companies cover cleanings and exams twice per year at least.  Like we posted previously (here) the cost of prevention is much less than the cost of 'patching'.  Plus, usually, by the time a tooth is hurting you, it's going to cost more to fix, so early treatment is usually less expensive.  Just like changing the oil in your car is crucial to future use of the car, getting your oral maintenance taken care of is crucial to keeping your oral health in the best condition.  Also, if work needs to be done on a tooth, usually it is less expensive to treat that one tooth, than it is to pull the tooth and fill in the void!  There are two things you can do that will save you money.  First, educate yourself!  Find out more about your health so you can make lifestyle changes if needed.  Second, get your oral health check-up and maintenance to prevent, and save yourself some money!

Featuring Flavored Floss

The advertisement for this floss made it sound like you could feel more motivated to floss if your floss had the "amazing flavor of crispy fried bacon".  I'm not sold, however, giving it more thought, I guess I do feel like brushing my teeth and flossing when I have the after-taste of bacon, that filmy, savory taste that isn't content to stay in my mouth, but permeates the fabric of my clothing and attaches itself to furniture and the air in my house like lichen.
Really this is for the single ladies seeking competing cohorts of cavemen.  What better way to get him to pop his heel during your first kiss?  Best stick with mint, in my opinion, but here is the website if you're interested.  Apparently there is a whole line of scents and other bacon products for that guy you think will only like you if you appeal to his hunger for crispy pork fat.
 http://www.mcphee.com/shop/products/Bacon-Floss.html

In all seriousness, though, bacon or other flavor, floss will help you prevent decay and gum disease.  The bacteria we all carry around in our mouths needs only roughly twelve hours to begin building colonies, and the colonies are taking minerals from your teeth even before the twelve hours.  So, at least once per day, make sure you floss.

On a Bacon Roll!

And I'm sure they have bacon-flavored rolls, too!  This product description was more accurate in describing the "coating your mouth" with smoky meat that will happen if you venture into the toothpaste version.  Unfortunately, the only thing to do is try it, maybe they're right about the mob of potential friends you will make when you open your mouth.  Just imagine the looks of love and camaraderie you'll get, each hanging on your every word!

Better Than the ER!

If you've ever sat in an 'emergency' room of a hospital, you know that it can be traumatizing in and of itself!  There is a good reason to take your mouth or teeth concerns to your dentist, as stated in a recent article.  The Pew Center on the States is a research organization, and they found out that the number of people going to the ER for avoidable dental problems has risen in the last five years.  In other words, more people go to the ER when they have a problem with their teeth now than they did five years ago.  It is very important to establish a relationship of trust with your own oral health doctor.  This way if you have a problem, you can be seen as soon as possible for it.  Even if it's on a weekend, you'll get better care with your own doctor.  The ER is for emergencies, and if you have an emergency, then go by all means.  However, you can find out how you are doing and possibly prevent oral health problems by seeing your dentist.

Here is a link to the Pew Center on the States:   Pew research
Here is a link to the DrBiscuspid article