WHY YOU SHOULD FLOSS DAILY

We are all told about plaque, tartar, gum disease, and warned of their consequences. The problem areas and the culprits are as follows:

1) PLAQUE: A sticky, substance of BACTERIAL colonies that form CONTINUOUSLY. If not removed, plaque will harden into TARTAR - a cement like substance. Note: Over 200 types of bacteria have been identified in the human mouth.

2) TARTAR: Builds on itself and promotes more plaque growth. NO floss will remove tartar ONLY professional cleaning can SCRAPE it away.

3) FOODS: Their sugar or starch react with BACTERIA to form ACIDS and TOXINS. These powerful compounds create cavities and cause gum and bone disease.

4) ACIDS/TOXINS: irritate and cause bleeding gums. In advanced stages, they even attack bone, dissolving it away, never to return - PERIODONTITIS!!!

5) GUMS: Inflamed by acids/toxins, swell, bleed and pull away from the teeth.

6) PERIODONTAL LIGAMENTS: Fibers that attach teeth to gums and bone. Acids/ Toxins destroy these fibers and bone creating pockets and loose teeth.

THE DENTAL PROFESSION now emphasizes Soft Tissue Management or, periodontal therapy procedures which deal primarily with reducing the amount of toxic bacteria. This includes Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment of gums along with effective home care.

TWO BASIC TYPES OF PLAQUE are found in the mouth:

1) Attached Plaque (AP) found above the gum lines is by far the least toxic.

2) Loosely Attached Plaque (LAP) found below the gum lines contains up to 60 times the concentration of toxins seen in AP. Spirochetes are corkscrew shaped bacteria found in LAP and are the center of periodontal disease activity. Fortunately, LAP with its high concentration of toxic bacteria, is easily diluted and reduced with irrigation. ShowerFloss is very effective in flushing LAP from subgingival areas where string floss is useless.

PATIENT COMPLIANCE with traditional floss is extremely poor. Over 90% do not floss regularly. Some reasons cited are: a handicap, lack of dexterity, arthritis, large hands, a small mouth, tight teeth and universal dislike for using string floss. ShowerFloss is a practical answer for anyone with flossing difficulties.

DENTISTS and HYGIENISTS recommend ShowerFloss. It is similar to the oral irrigation device used in their offices. They advise brushing first to disturb plaque making the flushing action of ShowerFloss even more effective. The wall hanger provided also holds toothbrushes and encourages you to brush in the shower, further adding to convenience.

PLAQUE, with over 200 identified types of bacteria, is the main cause of periodontal disease. It forms continuously and needs to be removed daily. Most destruction occurs below the gum line, often going undetected in early stages.

ORAL IRRIGATORS, with pressurized fluid forced between teeth, along gum lines and down into pockets, effectively dilute and reduce plaque. This inhibits the ability of bacteria and toxins to destroy teeth, gums and bone.

REDUCE BACTERIA and gums will begin to heal themselves. Massaging action of the water stimulates gums increasing blood flow to further promote healing.

SALIVA provides a natural cleansing action. It also contains elements that buffer the effects of bacteria, acids and toxins. Some medicines and procedures restrict salivary glands. While sleeping, saliva activity slows and plaque formation increases. Brushing in the morning is important - mouth rinse alone is not good enough.

DRY MOUTH invites plaque formation and has no defense against the ravages of bacteria. Irrigation is a must when there is a lack of normal saliva flow.

NON-FLOSSERS have demonstrated just how far they will go to avoid flossing. They have even turned to products claiming to chemically remove plaque. These mouth rinses are not effective between teeth and below the gum line.

STRING-FLOSS is dreaded by most and difficult to handle. It does not massage gums and must be threaded under bridges. It cuts gums, catches in teeth, may loosen fillings and is unable to reach irregular tooth surfaces or down in pockets.

SHOWERFLOSS is the ultimate flossing device. It is convenient, effective and affordable with no mess. It will not harm the gums. With excellent massaging action it flushes out pockets of any depth. Shower location makes it conducive to DAILY use. And that, of course, is the KEY to good dental health.

ShowerFloss will make your next regular check-up more pleasant. Your improved home care and dental health are sure to be noticed.