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Dental floss is similar to a lot of products that depend mainly on the consumer’s preference. Fact is, floss comes in a wide variety of flavors, coatings, and other variations, but all types of floss essentially do the same thing. After all, that is what is most important: that the dental floss you buy is functional—cleaning the areas in between your teeth. If you want to know what the best dental floss is, the answer is the kind that enables you to successfully and regularly clean those areas. So to help you find the right type of floss for you, here are some options.

Flavored Dental Floss

Many people that floss prefer a flavored dental floss because it freshens their breath even more than unscented floss. The latter can also take on the smells associated with bacteria in your mouth. And we all know how bad that can be. So, if flavored dental floss is what you prefer, and it allows you to floss your teeth regularly, then it is automatically best for your mouth.

Flossers

There are also products on the market called flossers, which usually consist of a plastic instrument with strung floss and a pick on the opposite end. This option can be both effective at cleaning the areas in between your teeth and scraping off plaque. These flossers also come flavored in mint and various other varieties.

Gentle Dental Floss

Some people find that typical dental floss is too harsh on their gums. For that reason some companies make floss with soft coatings that are less abrasive on the gums. For the most part these types of floss are just as effective as regular floss, and for those people that require a more sensitive approach to flossing, especially when just starting out, this is the best option.

Of the aforementioned options, it is difficult to name an absolute best type of floss. However, Dr. Kathleen Chan and Dr. Ivy Chen and our team say that the type of floss that works best for you, giving you the greatest chance of succeeding at regular flossing, is the best. For more information on floss, contact our Andover office.

Happy summer from Chan & Chen Orthodontics! We know summer might look a little different this year with social distancing measures still in place, but there are so many safe outdoor activities to enjoy with your loved ones.

When the sun is shining, the team of Chan & Chen Orthodontics loves to get outside. Some of our favorite places and activities are nature walks in the local forest, bike riding, or walks around town. It’s important to note that, when we are out in our community we stay safe by wearing masks and practice physical distancing. Make sure to support some of our favorite local shops by getting take out or doing curbside pick-up!

Warm summer days are for indulging in cold treats to help cool off. We encourage all our patients to avoid sodas or foods high in sugar. Try switching out your regular treats for something more healthy, but still sweet and tasty, like fresh fruit or fruit smoothies. Remember to brush and floss your teeth every day, at least twice a day.

We hope everyone continues to stay healthy. We will all get through this pandemic together. Have a safe summer!

Hello from Chan & Chen Orthodontics. We hope your July is getting off to a great start. As of May 25, 2020, our office is re-open and we are ready to see you!

Before your next appointment, there are a few new implementations to be aware of. We will have a pre-appointment questionnaire to be filled out before you arrive at our office. Please use the restroom and brush your teeth at home before coming to your appointment (our restrooms and toothbrushing station are temporarily closed). All forms, paperwork, and payments can be completed online, please let us know if you need any help. Remember to wear your mask!

Once you arrive, please call or text us when you arrive in the parking lot, and we will let you know when we are ready to have you come upstairs. Enter through the main entrance facing North Main St. We ask that patients come up to the appointment unaccompanied whenever possible. Upon entering our office, your temperature will be taken and then we will take you directly to the treatment area for your procedure. After your appointment is finished, please go down the side stairwell that exits the side door of the building facing Pearson St. For follow-up after your appointment, we will call or text you to provide updates and schedule your next appointment. We thank you for helping us make this process as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Also, please be aware that we have restructured our schedule in order to adjust our capacity. First morning appointments will be prioritized for patients with higher risks. We will continue to offer virtual appointments, especially for appliance, aligner, retainer checkups, dental development checkups, and consultations.

Need some advice on how to keep your smile healthy and happy? We recommend brushing after each meal and flossing before bed. You should brush your teeth for approximately 2 minutes, 2-3 times a day, and floss at least once a day (preferably at night to get any remaining food particles out of your teeth!). Your diet can affect your smile just as much as oral care! Make sure to eat foods that are low in sugar and acid.

Stay safe and healthy everyone! We look forward to seeing you soon!

“Yes,” you’re thinking, “I shouldn’t be chewing sugary, sticky gum while I’m wearing my braces.” Or perhaps, “I should check with my orthodontist to see if this sugar-free gum is safe for my braces.” And these are both great thoughts—but today, we’re thinking about gums of a different sort!

While you’ve been taking care of your teeth with regular brushing and flossing, you’ve also been taking care of your gums. And now that you’re wearing braces, your gums need a bit of special attention to keep them their healthiest.

We tend to think of gum disease as an adult problem. In fact, periodontitis, or serious gum disease, is one of the most common chronic infections in the adult population. But young gums need care, too! Gingivitis, a milder form of gum disease, is unfortunately a common problem for both children and adults.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar. When plaque builds up, it irritates delicate gum tissue. And while gingivitis is not as serious as periodontitis, the symptoms caused by this disease are nothing to smile about:

• Redness
• Tenderness and soreness
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Bad Breath

If you’re already feeling a little tender or swollen after an adjustment, the added discomfort caused by gingivitis is the last thing you want. But even worse, neglected gingivitis can lead to more serious infections of gum and even bone tissue. Luckily, gingivitis is both preventable and treatable with proper dental care.

So, how to protect your gums? We have some suggestions.

• Brushing Better with Braces

It can be hard to brush around your brackets and wires, but keeping these areas free of food particles and plaque makes for healthy gums—and fewer cavities! There are specially designed manual toothbrushes made for braces wearers, and tiny interproximal brushes that can reach tight spaces. Or, perhaps an electric toothbrush will do a better job for you. Just be sure to brush after each meal for the most complete removal of bacteria and plaque.

• Learn New Flossing Techniques

You might wonder how on earth you’ll get in between your teeth with your wires and brackets in the way. We have the answers! We know the best techniques for flossing your specific braces, and we’ll recommend specially designed flossing tools to make the job easier. Water flossers can also be a great help for cleaning in tight spots. Be sure to make flossing part of your daily routine—you’ll be able to remove plaque from places brushing just can’t reach.

• Rinsing? Recommended.

Talk to Dr. Kathleen Chan and Dr. Ivy Chen about the best dental rinses for reducing plaque and tartar, or how gargling can help prevent irritation. And drink water! Water helps wash away plaque and bacteria, and is a great way to rinse teeth and braces if you absolutely can’t brush after eating.

• Keep up with Professional Cleanings

Be sure to keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to remove any plaque or tartar build up that home brushing can’t handle.

We want your time in braces to be as healthy—and comfortable—as possible. If you have any gum discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity, give our Andover office a call. With prompt action, gingivitis can be treated, and with careful attention to your cleaning routine, gingivitis can be prevented altogether. Something to think about!