Save on your prescription drugs 0 Comments Last Updated: 11:11 PM 07/18/11 - Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction can help you save money on prescriptions. (Full Story)
	Is your child ready for school? Last Updated: 1:20 PM 07/13/11 - Are your kids immunizations up to date? (Full Story)
	Beating cervical cancer: A survivor's story 0 Comments Last Updated: 2:12 PM 02/07/11 - This month’s 9Health topic is one we have to remember all year long. It’s Cervical Cancer Awareness month. (Full Story)
	Click here to register for Grand Valley Health Fair's Early Blood Draw 0 Comments Last Updated: 12:03 PM 02/07/11 - Starting Monday, Jan. 31, you can register for the Grand Valley Health Fair’s Early Blood Draw which is Feb. 14-18. (Full Story)
More Headlines

Courtesy of http://www.adha.org/.

BRUSH 2 minutes 2X a day

Brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day remains a critical component to maintaining a healthy smile. Studies have shown that brushing for two minutes is perhaps the single most important step an individual can take to reduce plaque build-up and the risk of plaque-associated diseases, such as cavities and gingivitis.

Proper brushing is essential for cleaning teeth and gums effectively. Read on for more educational information and resources:

FLOSS daily

Proper flossing or interdental cleaning removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach — under the gumline and between your teeth. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended.

Let’s face it, getting into a routine of regular flossing is probably the greatest home care challenge for our patients. Studies have revealed that only 16% of 961 periodontal patients followed over an eight-year period, complied with the recommended maintenance schedules. The results of these studies are an excellent example of how different our perceived ideal can be from clinical reality. Any product or technique that can demonstrably make flossing easier will be more likely to make it actually happen! There are many different types of floss (besides waxed or unwaxed) with different thicknesses, filaments, and coatings. They are available at most dental trade shows; try them in your own mouth. If a patient is resistant to flossing, find out why. Explore probable causes of the problem, and suggest several products which might help.

Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque from between teeth and at the gumline, where periodontal disease often begins. Read on for more educational information and resources:

RINSE with mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth each day with an anti-microbial mouth rinse is another important step in preventing the gum disease known as gingivitis. Speak with your dental hygienist for more information on which mouth rinse is right for you.

Brushing and flossing disrupt plaque on the teeth and gums, but teeth make up only less than half of your mouth. To kill plaque and gingivitis germs that brushing leaves behind, be sure to finish your oral care routine with an antiseptic mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Read on for more educational information and resources:

CHEW sugar-free gum after eating

Chewing sugar-free gum after eating is clinically proven to be an important part of good oral health. It stimulates the most important natural defense against tooth decay - saliva - which, in turn helps fight cavities, neutralize plaque acids, remineralize enamel to strengthen teeth and wash away food particles.

Research from around the world has now shown conclusively that chewing sugarfree gum has many oral health benefits. When chewing is incorporated into the daily oral healthcare routine, especially after eating and drinking, it positively affects oral health.

For more information visit the ADHA website.