Top Reasons You Should Be Flossing Every Day

Published on: 26 July 2021 Last Updated on: 10 January 2025

It is estimated that only half of all Australians brush their teeth daily. It, therefore, goes without saying that less than half the population is flossing daily. However, most people want to keep their own teeth into old age and certainly don’t want to deal with the expense of root canals or tooth implants.

Dental and oral health is a pretty essential part of daily hygiene. And most often, the familiar people are ignoring these. But ignoring dental and oral health can lead to a severe problem. For example, the cavity and the pain of the teeth can be prevented through regular dental flossing and spraying.

This is why it is time you found a dentist near me and took your dental hygiene routine more seriously.

3 Great Benefits Of Daily Flossing

When you are eating something, the tiny particles of the food are stuck in the gap of the teeth. As the space is minimal during the brushing, these particles cannot be removed. And these can be the root cause of the teeth’ tartars and the decaying. So to save your teeth from the tarts and the decaying, regular flossing is the most effective and easy solution.

Here are three main good reasons for daily flossing.

1.Protects Your Tooth Health

Teeth are coated in a hard substance known as enamel. This enamel is what protects you from cavities and helps to keep the teeth strong. But, your teeth are not alone in your mouth, there are plenty of bacteria in with them, and the majority of these are beneficial.

However, when you eat, the sugar in your food reacts with the bacteria, and the side-effect is acid. This attacks the enamel on your teeth and your gums. Over time the enamel is weakened, and then cavities start to form.

Brushing and flossing help to eliminate the issue as it removes the food debris from your mouth, preventing the sugar-bacteria reaction.

However, the reaction between sugar and bacteria causes plaque which, if left, becomes tartar. These much harder substances trap bacteria and allow them to cause an infection. While brushing removes the plaque and food debris from the front and back of your teeth, it can’t remove it from between the teeth. That’s where flossing steps in.

By gently wrapping it around each tooth, you can eliminate the plaque and protect your teeth.

2.Overall Protects Your Oral Health

Recent research shows that there is a link between overall health and oral health. Plaque that is in your mouth can enter the bloodstream and contribute to a buildup of plaque in your blood vessels. This can lead to blockages and cardiovascular issues.

Alongside this, bacteria in your mouth can get into your bloodstream and travel inside your body, potentially causing illness and inflammation.

3.Flossing Removes Debris

Flossing removes the plaque and food debris from your mouth. By undertaking this simple exercise daily, you will be reducing the risk of infection, cardiovascular issues, and tooth decay or loss. When you put it that way, you can understand why flossing is a must.

Even if all the research is wrong, there are no downsides to flossing, making it a worthwhile daily task.

How To Floss?

Flossing means sliding a piece of floss between your teeth. You shouldn’t be using a see-saw motion to remove plaque. Instead, simply glide the floss around your tooth and gently pull it out. It is that simple!

With a bit of practice, you will be able to floss in a few minutes and potentially save yourself a lot of future hassle.

If you have any doubts regarding the right way to floss, then visit your dentist and ask for a demonstration. They will be happy to help you develop the correct technique and take better care of your teeth.

Dental scaling is the easiest way to remove the tartars from the teeth. But after the scaling, regular flossing is the easiest home solution to protect your teeth and prevent the tartars and the debris from making.

Conclusion:

The oral health protections are not only healthy for your tooth, along with the tooth, but your lousy breathing smell problems are also going to be solved within seconds. Daily flossing is helping you to protect your teeth and keep your breathing healthy.

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Tips for Managing Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a condition that is caused by issues with muscle control in the bladder, which can lead to the inability to hold urine, leakage when you cough or sneeze, or a frequent need to urinate. As a result, dealing with urinary incontinence is stressful and can be embarrassing. If you suffer from urinary incontinence, there is hope for management. You may be feeling self-conscious, but this is a common condition that many people, of different ages and demographics, experience. You are not alone, and there are plenty of things you can do to help control urges and build up muscle strength in your pelvis. Here are some basic tips to follow and options to try to manage urinary incontinence. Different Ways You Can Reduce The Urinary Inconsistence Try Out Some At-Home Exercises: Taking on some basic pelvic muscle exercises can help you build up strength to hold your urine flow. These muscles are responsible for your ability to control your bladder and can be strengthened naturally through some simple exercises. Performing daily kegel exercises can help you naturally gain control over your bladder muscles. Essentially, doing a kegel exercise means pretending you are holding back a stream of urine and will help you get better at strengthening your ability to do so when the time actually comes. Certain other exercises can be beneficial, too. A study from the University of California at San Francisco found that certain yoga poses can help with urinary incontinence by targeting the pelvic muscles. Find Products That Work For You: In the past, adult diapers were the most common thing people could buy to help with leaks and accidents. But not everyone enjoys wearing an adult diaper. Fortunately, urinary incontinence is common, and because of that, there are plenty of options that can cater to your own lifestyle and preferences. There are different types of pads and liners you can purchase for your undergarments, including specialized ones for swimming that no one will even notice. You can also choose specially designed underwear that passes as regular underwear and won’t cause any additional self-consciousness. Additionally, there are some more innovative devices to try, including incontinence rings, if you want to take on something a little more advanced. Develop New Behavioral Techniques: Get yourself into a routine that helps you take control of your bladder. For example, limit your caffeine intake, as caffeine is a known factor for increased urination. Alcohol is also a known factor, and reducing the amount you drink can make a substantial difference. Develop a new bathroom schedule as well. Train yourself not to go to the washroom just as a precaution, and work on holding your bladder for a longer duration between washroom visits. If you feel the need to urinate frequently, distracting yourself and focusing on something else can also be helpful. Maintain a Healthy BMI or Body Weight: Obesity, being overweight, and/or a high BMI can lead to a higher risk of developing urinary incontinence or other bladder problems. Therefore, taking measures to eat healthier and exercise more often can help you reach a healthier weight and therefore help with overall bladder function. Losing just 5% of your BMI can be beneficial in managing urinary incontinence, so every little bit helps. Aim to cut out processed foods, sugars, and make sure half of each meal contains a good serving of fruit and vegetables. Start with adding a little bit of exercise to your daily routine, even if it’s just a brisk walk a few days a week. The differences will be noticeable. Read Also: What Doctor Says About Snoring 3 Health Advantages Of Good Night’s Sleep

Is There Such Thing As A Functioning Alcoholic?

You might have heard the term “functioning alcoholic” and wondered what it even means. Then you might be searching the meaning of the term and what it means to be a functional alcoholic. Then let's throw some light on the meaning of functioning alcoholic for your better understanding. We often relate alcoholism with people who are addicted and unable to function properly in their lives. This stereotype of alcoholic individuals seems to be not accurate. This is because several individuals who are alcoholics seem to function properly and deal with their daily tasks properly. If this is the case then why are these individuals living a regular life while being alcoholic? While other groups of alcoholic people are addicted to alcohol but cannot function properly because of their addiction. Therefore in this article, we not only discuss what is a functioning alcoholic but also how they differ from those with more visible signs of alcohol dependency. Perception About Individuals Battling Addiction Your concept or perception of an alcoholic will change when you learn how a functioning alcoholic person works. They are capable of living or maintaining a normal life while battling alcohol addiction. At one glance you might not even know this person might be alcoholic as they are capable of doing all their daily duties smoothly. Therefore, why was this term created which means someone who is functioning even when dealing with addiction? This challenges the common stereotype of an alcoholic person who lives an undisciplined and disheveled life. The term “functioning alcoholic” could be used to describe a person’s condition but it is not officially recognized. In the field of psychiatry, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) doesn't recognize this term officially. However, several professionals use this term to describe a specific alcoholic person's condition. So understanding the phenomenon of the functioning alcoholic is important as it helps identify people who are going through this hardship. When you recognize a functional alcoholic you can help them get the right treatment which will get them better. More often than not, functioning alcoholics hide their struggles with addiction while maintaining a normal facade. So, it becomes harder for you to recognize them and get them correctly diagnosed. Therefore you must read this article to know how to identify a functioning alcoholic. So that you can help them get the right treatment for recovery. What Is A Functioning Alcoholic? A functioning alcoholic is someone who appears to live a normal life while dealing with alcohol addiction. These individuals you will observe can do all the regular tasks and maintain a lifestyle without alcohol overriding their lives. Even being addicted to alcohol they can hold down a job and fulfill family obligations. Not only that they can excel in some areas of their lives without alcohol overriding their entire life. Therefore, it becomes hard for you to identify these individuals who look perfectly normal from the outside while dealing with addiction. These individuals know how to keep their professional and social lives separate from their addiction. You see, functional alcoholics are aware of their alcoholic addiction which helps them hide it easily. They become skilled at hiding their shortcomings from the world. However, this addiction of a functioning alcoholic does not affect anyone other than themselves. It does affect their own lives if kept unchecked in the long run. As they continue to hide their struggle with alcohol it becomes much more troublesome as time goes on. Functioning Alcoholics Live In The Grey Area Of Addiction A functioning alcoholic lives in the grey area of addiction where addiction coexists with competence. While they are functioning like a regular individual they also hide their addiction from their friends, family, or colleagues. So, they operate much more separately than an alcoholic consumed with addiction and a normal non-alcoholic. So how will you recognize a functioning alcoholic when they are living just like any ordinary person? You see functioning alcoholics often rationalize their drinking habits as rewards for their accomplishments. So, if they can get their work done they reward themselves. Again if they do their duty towards their family they would reward themselves with a drink. Again their coping mechanism of dealing with the stress of daily responsibilities is through alcohol. So when they accomplish their responsibilities day-to-day they reward themselves with alcohol. But this facade of normalcy is fragile as they become more dependent on alcohol over time. As they start to deal with life problems with alcohol, this results in psychological issues. Maintaining a long-term facade of alcohol addiction is not the only problem a functional alcoholic faces but health problems too. High Functioning Alcoholism vs. Traditional Alcohol Use Disorder Traditionally you could identify an alcoholic person from their visible signs of dysfunctions. These dysfunctional problems were frequent performance issues, relationship problems, and deteriorating health. In contrast, high-functioning alcoholics may lead seemingly successful lives, masking their dependency behind a façade of competence. They may hold prestigious positions, maintain social connections, and even drink expensive wine without raising suspicion. Despite their ability to keep up appearances, high-functioning alcoholics often deal with a significant internal struggle. They might spend considerable effort hiding the extent of their drinking from others and themselves. This can involve elaborate routines to cover up the smell of alcohol and secret drinking sessions. Again a functional alcoholic persistently worries about being discovered because of their addiction. You will see that the stress of maintaining a double life can be extremely problematic in the long run. In the long-term, this coping mechanism with alcohol can only affect negatively both physically and mentally. Along with the stress of hiding addiction with alcohol and dealing with life’s problems a functioning alcoholic is bound to break down at some point. This will lead to their worst fear of revealing their true nature. It's this dual existence that differentiates high-functioning alcoholism from other overt alcohol use disorders. Other alcohol disorders are more visible due to their impact on an individual's life. Recognizing The Signs Of Alcohol Abuse There are significant risks to being a functional alcoholic despite its outward appearance. Because their pattern of drinking can be more than seven drinks per week. This leads to health risks in the long term. Again continuous dependence on alcohol to deal with life can have adverse effects on the person’s psychology. From binge drinking episodes to the inability to stop drinking despite its negative consequences can be some of the recognized risks of alcohol addiction. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit or cut back on alcohol consumption. Recognizing signs of a high-functioning alcoholic can be challenging as they are good at hiding their addiction. Therefore, it's essential to identify these individuals and get them diagnosed correctly and get these individuals treated. It's important to note that these behaviors can be subtle and easily overlooked, especially when the individual is still managing to fulfill their personal and professional obligations. Over time you will see that the consequences of high-functioning alcoholism become visible. Be it strained relationships, personality changes, mental health issues, and physical health problems related to alcohol abuse. You will start to see its effects on a functional alcoholic. Risk Factors And Consequences Certain factors can increase the likelihood of high-functioning alcoholism, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and untreated mental health issues. While they may avoid some of the immediate consequences associated with traditional alcoholism, such as job loss or legal troubles, high-functioning alcoholics are still at risk for severe health problems, including certain cancers and mental health issues. These health problems can include liver disease, heart disease, and neurological impairments that may not become evident until later in life. The psychological consequences are equally concerning, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders that can deteriorate the quality of life. Moreover, high-functioning alcoholics may face social consequences over time, such as eroded trust in relationships, marital strife, and a gradual withdrawal from social activities as they prioritize alcohol over personal connections. Despite maintaining a veneer of normalcy, the cumulative effect of these risk factors and consequences can lead to a tipping point where the individual's ability to function at a high level is compromised. It is crucial to recognize these long-term risks and understand that the lack of immediate, visible consequences does not diminish the urgency for intervention and treatment. Seeking Support And Treatment For The High Functioning Alcoholic Addressing high-functioning alcoholism requires a comprehensive approach involving medical professionals, support groups, and rehab centers in Los Angeles, specializing in addiction medicine. Loved ones play a crucial role in encouraging their family members or close relatives to seek help, but it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Initiating this conversation can be delicate, as it often involves breaking through a wall of denial built up by the individual over time. Friends and family need to be informed about the nature of high-functioning alcoholism, to offer non-judgmental support, and to avoid enabling behaviors that can perpetuate the addiction. The process of seeking support often begins with an honest self-assessment or an intervention by concerned loved ones. This step is vital in helping the individual recognize the extent of their problem and the impact it has on their life and the lives of those around them. Professional interventionists can be instrumental in this phase, providing the guidance needed to navigate what can be a highly charged situation. Once the individual acknowledges the need for help, the next step involves finding the right treatment program. Treatment can range from outpatient therapy sessions that accommodate the individual's work schedule. Or a more intensive inpatient program where you will be required to take a temporary step back from daily responsibilities. The choice of treatment should be tailored to the individual's specific circumstances, taking into account their level of addiction, personal responsibilities, and the presence of any co-occurring mental health conditions. Throughout the recovery journey, ongoing support is essential for maintaining sobriety. Aftercare programs and sober living communities offer continued guidance and support, helping the individual to reintegrate into their daily life with new coping skills and a renewed focus on health and wellness. Support And Treatment Facilities Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide a vital lifeline for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders, offering a sense of community and understanding. These groups facilitate peer-to-peer support and shared experiences, creating a space where individuals can speak openly about their struggles without fear of judgment. Treatment facilities offer residential treatment or outpatient tailored programs designed to address the unique needs of high-functioning alcoholics, providing medical supervision during the withdrawal process and equipping them with coping strategies for maintaining sobriety. These facilities often employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical treatment, psychological counseling, and behavioral therapy to address the complex nature of addiction. The programs may include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, educational workshops on addiction, and relapse prevention planning. In addition to traditional treatment methods, some facilities offer holistic therapies such as meditation, yoga, and art therapy, recognizing the importance of treating the whole person. The Importance Of Mental Health Resources Recognizing that alcoholism is not solely a physical dependency but also a mental health problem is crucial. Access to more mental health resources, including therapy and counseling, can help individuals address underlying issues contributing to their alcohol use and develop healthier coping mechanisms. These resources are vital in treating the emotional and psychological aspects of alcoholism, which often include stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders that may co-occur with substance abuse. By providing a supportive environment for open discussion about mental health, individuals can gain insights into the emotional triggers that lead to drinking and learn new strategies for managing these triggers. Therapy can also assist in repairing relationships damaged by alcohol abuse, rebuilding trust, and improving communication skills. In addition, counseling can offer guidance on how to establish a balanced life. You can set achievable goals, and create a supportive network that fosters their long-term recovery. Treatment programs need to integrate mental health services as a core component of addiction recovery, called dual diagnosis treatment. This integration ensures that individuals receive a holistic approach to their treatment, addressing all facets of their well-being. As society continues to destigmatize mental health issues, the hope is that more people will feel empowered to seek the help they need without fear of judgment or stigma. Ultimately, enhancing the availability and accessibility of mental health resources is a critical step in supporting the recovery journey of functioning alcoholics. Their lasting sobriety helps improve their mental health issues. High Functioning Alcoholics: Is There Such A Thing? High-functioning alcoholics can often seem to have it all together, balancing significant responsibilities while battling their addiction in silence. They are typically individuals who, despite heavy drinking, seem to lead productive lives. They often excel in their careers, maintain social relationships, and uphold daily routines. This can make it difficult for others and sometimes even for the individuals themselves to recognize the problem. as their success often masks the underlying issues. We can help individuals struggling with high-functioning alcoholism by raising awareness and providing support. This will help them regain control of their lives and improve their overall life. Conclusion It's crucial to understand that high-functioning alcoholism is a real and serious condition. When you acknowledge its existence you take the first step towards addressing the unique challenges it presents. With the right resources and support systems, you can improve functioning alcoholic individuals to live a life free from alcohol. You can find them the help they need to recover from alcohol dependency. Therefore you need to know about functional alcoholism and identify functional alcoholic individuals. Read Also: 10 Reasons To Stop Drinking Alcohol Today Can Vaping Really Help You Kick Your Smoking Habit? The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Non-Alcoholic Spirits Famous Alcoholics And The Symptoms Of Their Addiction

Can a Mattress Cause Back Pain?

Unfortunately, back pain is common that we start treating it as a normal part of our daily life. However, back pain, as well as any other pain, should not be tolerated or ignored. Many people have problems with back pain at night or in the morning after they wake. What’s the cause of this? Is it your sleep position? Or maybe your mattress? Is Your Mattress The Cause of Your Back Pain? The first step in treating back pain is to identify its source. However, that’s not always as easy as it sounds. The pain can be caused or aggravated by multiple factors. Typically, factors that contribute to back pain the most are age, old injuries flaring up and an inactive lifestyle. Sometimes, jumping into a new exercise or activity can also cause back pain. In most cases, we are all aware of the factors mentioned above. However, there are also some factors that many people ignore or just overlook. For example, if you wake up every morning in pain, there is a huge possibility your mattress causes the pain. Sleep experts and mattress specialists, in fact, say that your bed should be your first suspect if you can’t sleep comfortably at night. After all, since we spend approximately one-third of our lives sleeping, we should be aware that mattresses wear off over time and require replacement. Also, your sleep habits change as you age, and what worked for you when you were young, may not suit your sleeping needs today. However, the good news is that if your mattress is at the root of the problem, you can quickly address it by getting a new one. With so many models out there, it may be rather hard to select a new bed. Fortunately, Counting Sheep can help you! Counting Sheep’s experts have spent years of researching different mattress types and people’s sleeping needs and created an unbiased mattress guide that will definitely help you make any mattress related decision with quickly and with ease. With their guide, you won’t have to worry about mattress related back pain anymore, and you will wake up every morning feeling refreshed and pain-free. How to Determine if My Mattress is Causing My Back Pain? Use the following checklist to determine whether your mattress is most likely the source of your pain and discomfort. Take notes where and when the pain appears: If it’s mattress related, it is generally muscular. Your bed is the one to blame if you wake up in the morning stiff and achy, but feel better as the day goes on. The pain is also relieved by stretching, yoga or light exercising. Symptoms are typically present to the middle back or lower back. Consider the age factor: If your mattress is more than seven years old, it will most likely cause back pain. Years of usage lead to wear and tear, and your body will definitely feel it. Also, keep in mind that your body changes as you age and that now you may have different sleep needs or preferences. Look for sagging spots: If your mattress is sagging, your spine won’t be properly aligned during sleep which will cause back pain. Your spine has to be in a neutral position, and not curving down. Listen to your body: If you feel lumps or springs poking you when lying down, there is a good chance your bed is contributing to your back pain. Check your bed after vacation: When you sleep somewhere else than your bed, you recognize right away if the mattress is saggy, lumpy or simply too hard. Since most of us keep our bed longer than we should, we are used to sleeping on a less-than-optimal surface. After a vacation, your mattress will feel a little less familiar than before, and this is the perfect time to conduct another evaluation test. Read Also: 12 Secret Methods Of Chi Machines Domination Bed Time Yoga To Sleep Well

Top Reasons You Should Be Flossing Every Day