Are Floss Picks As Good As Regular Dental Floss?

are floss picks as good as regular floss? Mission

Are floss picks as good as regular floss?

Floss picks vs regular floss? While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. Dr. Malfair recommends traditional floss or dental tape. Here’s why:

A floss pick holds just a small section of floss stretched in a straight line. Looking down, a tooth is shaped somewhat round or oval, with occasional irregularities. A straight segment of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically because it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss used correctly. By wrapping the floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more capably clean that critical area around and just below the gumline. And your fingers are much more agile than a piece of plastic.

We have seen patients who are observant floss pick users who developed decay due to a tiny crack the floss pick missed day after day.

Here is a review on correct flossing:

1. Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
2. Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with. Thread the floss between two teeth.
3. Hold the floss firmly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s vital to scrape up and out of the pocket.
4. Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to furnish a clean piece for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new section.
5. Some people find it easier to commence on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch. Whatever method you select, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.
6. If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding usually stops within a week or two.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7


Beating Horrible Halitosis

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“My neighbor’s bad breath is scaring me.”

I’m Dr. Malfair with Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair. I’d like to take a few minutes to share with you some insight about halitosis.

Brushing just the teeth may not remove particles of food between the teeth and up in the gums. Bacteria can grow and stink from hidden floss-only locations. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Also, the food you are eating can impact the odor in your mouth. Onions, garlic, and coffee are likely to show up on the breath regardless of consistent brushing.

Illness, infection, and allergies can all cause dry mouth which in turn upset the control of bacteria in the mouth. Diabetes, kidney failure, radiation therapy, liver malfunction, dry mouth, or even a sinus infection can cause an odor. The bacteria balance in the mouth is ever-changing.

Finally, dentures or a removable appliance may also carry bacteria that needs to be cleaned and freshened up on a regular basis.

1. Brush and floss the teeth as well as brush the tongue, gums, and sides of the mouth.
2. Enjoy onions and garlic a little less.
3. Stay on top of health issues.
4. Keep dentures clean.

Again, I’m Dr. Stephen Malfair. Located at 301-1890 Cooper Rd Kelowna, British Columbia. We offer Sedation Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, and Dental Implants just to name a few of our services.

We work hard to exceed your expectations.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7


Your Smile Says Keep Trying!

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Today’s article is for people who are frustrated because they haven’t been successful at making some changes that will benefit their oral health. We want to urge you to keep trying and assure you that the team of dental professionals at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is eager to help.

Keep Trying To Floss

Many men and women are observant about brushing and believe that it makes up for lack of flossing. This is a misconception. Flossing is the only way to clean food debris and plaque from the gumline. Failure to floss can lead to periodontal disease which can, in turn, bring about tooth loss. We encourage everyone to make it a habit to floss appropriately every day. If you are not sure how to floss correctly, any one of the courteous dental hygienists at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair would be happy to teach you. (They’re the pros!) Call 250-860-8900 to schedule a professional dental cleaning a review on flossing.

Keep Trying to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Skipping dental checkups can have harmful, and in some cases, irreversible oral health consequences. Severe cavities or delayed diagnosis of oral cancer are two potential risks. If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you are not alone. This psychological disorder affects a significant portion of the population. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage this condition so you can undergo an exam and any necessary services. Talk to Dr. Malfair if you or a family member suffers from dental anxiety. Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair furnishes oral sedation and other help for apprehensive patients.

Keep Trying to Quit Tobacco

Smoking is just as detrimental for your teeth and gums as it is for other parts of your body. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to drop the habit, it’s clear that you value your health and want to lower your risk for all the issues caused or exacerbated by smoking, chewing, or vaping.

Many smokers do not kick the habit the first time. But there’s hope! According to the CDC, there are now more former smokers than current users. Each of those former smokers was once right where you are. Keep trying!

Sometimes a little help can make all the difference. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair at 250-860-8900 to schedule an appointment.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7


4 Important Reasons to Floss Every Day in Our Kelowna Area

4 Important Reasons to Floss Every Day in Our Kelowna Area

Maintaining good oral hygiene in the Kelowna area is essential to overall health and wellness. Your teeth and gums are the foundation of great personal health.

Most of us in the Kelowna area brush our teeth twice a day. This is good practice and makes for a good start to your oral health. However, many people overlook the importance of flossing. Flossing is just as important as brushing, if not more so.

Here are four good reasons why flossing your teeth is so important:

Flossing Removes Plaque and Food Particles

Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-laden film that forms on teeth and gums. It’s a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. While brushing can remove some of the plaque from the surface of your teeth, it can’t always reach the areas between your teeth. Flossing is a convenient way to remove plaque and food particles from these hard-to-reach areas.

Flossing Prevents Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding in the gums. It can eventually lead to tooth loss. Flossing can help prevent gum disease by removing the plaque and food particles that can lead to inflammation and infection. It can also help keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, allowing you to enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.

Flossing Reduces Bad Breath

Perhaps most importantly for most of us, flossing can help prevent bad breath. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and unpleasant. It is often caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce foul-smelling gases. Flossing can help reduce bad breath by removing the food particles and bacteria that can contribute to the problem.

This single benefit alone makes flossing worth the effort, but we have one more big one…

Flossing Saves Money

Flossing is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent more serious oral health problems. By taking care of your teeth and gums through regular flossing, you can avoid expensive dental treatments down the road. This can save you both time and money in the long run.

Come in to Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair for a quick check up and we can help guide you with a prevention plan that includes regular flossing. We can also recommend useful tools that will help you maintain good oral health within your lifestyle. For example, there are many new products on the market today that make flossing a lot easier and much more convenient.

Flossing is an essential part of good oral hygiene. It can help prevent cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems. By incorporating flossing into your daily routine, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7


What’s The Latest With Veneers?

Kelowna Prepless Veneers One of the developments in cosmetic dentistry is prepless veneers. Though thousands of smile restoration patients who have received standard veneers are happy with the results, some dental patients have delayed this procedure because they do not want to give up healthy tooth structure.

Veneers Have Advanced

Prepless veneers are a more conservative procedure for transforming smiles. New prepless veneers at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair are extremely thin shells that adhere to the face of teeth and require no removal of tooth enamel. Most prepless veneers are about the thickness of two pieces of paper. Because the color is built into the veneers (instead of being applied after fabrication), they look like your natural teeth—only better!

The Skilled Lab Technicians Behind the Scenes

Our experienced ceramists are experienced artists. They create each custom veneer with the perfect shape, color, and thickness for your new smile. Another great feature of the Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair prepless veneers application procedure is that it requires no anesthesia or drilling.

If you are uncomfortable with misaligned, discolored, or broken teeth, prepless veneers may be a smile restoration solution that you can feel good about. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair to learn more about prepless veneers. It may be your answer for  smile!

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7


Patient Education Is A Priority At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair

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At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, we are to educating patients.

We know that optimal dental health depends on good habits, so we want you to have all the information you need to practice those habits.

We make sure we explain all procedures and answer our patients’ questions. We also explain how to care for your teeth post-procedure.

In addition to having healthy teeth and gums, we want our dental patients to have the beautiful smile they deserve. We work to make patients aware of the numerous cosmetic dental procedures that can improve smiles dramatically. Procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers are simple but can have amazing results.

If you are in the Kelowna area and are looking for a highly skilled dentist with superior communication skills, give us a call at 250-860-8900. We can answer any questions you have about services such as dental implants or complete smile makeovers. Our services include:

Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Implants
Sedation Dentistry
Teeth Whitening

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7


Tooth Whitening: In-Office vs. DIY

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If you are planning to whiten your teeth, the important first step is to decide on a whitening method. It may seem like there are a multitude of options, but it’s important to remember that they all employ a peroxide-based whitening solution. The difference lies in the strength of the bleaching solution and method of delivery. In-office whitening procedures generally use a solution with a relatively higher concentration of peroxide. In other words, it is stronger.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of DIY and in-office teeth whitening.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Advantages

  • Generally less pricey
  • Doesn’t require a trip to your Kelowna dentist
  • May cause less tooth sensitive and pain

At-Home Teeth Whitening Disadvantages

  • Takes longer to achieve desired level of lightening
  • Whitening appliances don’t protect gum tissue
  • Solution must be applied many times over a period of weeks

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Advantages

  • Same day results
  • Administered by a dental professional
  • Gum tissue is protected
  • You may be able to pay for it with HSA or flex spending

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Disadvantages

  • More expensive

Did you know that in order to maintain the brightness achieved from an in-office teeth whitening treatment, a patient must follow up with at-home touch-ups? Therefore, a combination of in-office and DIY methods is often the most effective solution.

A note about non-professional teeth bleaching kiosks:

A few years ago during the height of the tooth-whitening craze, teeth-whitening kiosks started popping up in Kelowna area malls. Though some have closed their doors, a few remain in business. Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair urges patients to avoid these establishments. There is little regulatory oversight and customers have no guarantee of the safety of their services or the qualifications of their employees. As always, it is critical to only trust your smile to dental professionals.

Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair advises patients to meet with their Kelowna dentist before starting any tooth bleaching regimen. An oral examination will help your dentist know if tooth whitening will deliver the results you are seeking. This is especially important when you have tetracycline stains or multiple restorations.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7


A Youthful Smile At Any Age

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Declining health, limited mobility, financial strains – clearly, aging is not for wimps. Though some challenges seniors face can’t be avoided, others can. Dental dilemmas, for instance.

Many dental problems common among retirees such as missing teeth, gum recession, tooth damage, and yellowed enamel, can be remedied.

With modern cosmetic dentistry at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, mature men and women can have an extraordinary smile that looks as young as they feel (or wish they felt!). Regardless of your age, it is not too late to improve your smile – even if you have some missing teeth.

At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna, we pamper our highly regarded patients. We offer comprehensive general and innovative cosmetic dental services including cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

If you are looking for a friendly, experienced dentist, call 250-860-8900 to schedule an exam and consultation. You can talk to us about porcelain crowns and veneers, tooth-colored fillings, implant-supported dentures, invisible braces, and teeth whitening.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7


Happy Teeth Don’t Just Happen

Your British Columbia Dentist And Cleaning Your TeethKeeping your teeth clean is an essential factor in maintaining a beautiful smile. One of the benefits of visiting your dentist commonly is receiving a thorough teeth cleaning and a review of your brushing habits.

Your Partner in Oral Health

Our dental hygienist can professionally clean and polish your teeth at your twice-yearly dental check-up. The hygienist also helps you keep your teeth clean by assessing the condition of your teeth and recommending improvements to your daily teeth cleaning habits.

Having a professional dental cleaning is the only way to get rid of plaque (a sticky substance in which bacteria thrives) and tartar (a calcium deposit that forms on teeth and contributes to cavities).

Don’t Forget Basic Dental Hygiene

Brushing and flossing at least twice each day can keep plaque and tartar from collecting on your teeth and results in cleaner, healthier teeth.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist at least once every 6 months for a dental checkup and dental cleaning.

To keep that beautiful smile in top condition, come in for a dental check-up and teeth cleaning. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair to make an appointment.- Dr. Stephen Malfair

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7


Which Is The Best Toothbrush For British Columbia Residents?

Which Is The Best Toothbrush For British Columbia Residents?

One of the most important tools for maintaining oral hygiene is a toothbrush. However, with so many types of toothbrushes available in the Kelowna British Columbia market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for you.

Choosing the best toothbrush can depend on a lot of factors. Our team at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair can help you decide which toothbrush is best for you. In the meantime, let’s take a look at a few different types of toothbrushes and see what they offer…

Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes are the most commonly used type of toothbrush in Kelowna British Columbia. They are affordable and easy to use. They come in different sizes, shapes, and bristle types. Manual toothbrushes have a handle that you hold and a head with bristles that you use to clean your teeth.

We’re all familiar with this type of toothbrush. The bristles come in different varieties, including soft, medium, and hard.

Soft-bristled toothbrushes are the most recommended by dentists at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair because they are gentle on the teeth and gums. Hard-bristled toothbrushes, on the other hand, can cause damage to your tooth enamel and gums.

If you have any questions about the bristles on your toothbrush, bring it in to Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair and let’s take a look. We may be able to recommend a better option for your teeth.

Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes have become increasingly popular around British Columbia in recent years. They typically have a small motor that moves the bristles in a circular or back-and-forth motion to clean your teeth. Some electric toothbrushes come with different modes and settings for different cleaning options.

Electric toothbrushes are a great solution for people who have difficulty using a manual toothbrush or have limited dexterity. They are also more effective at removing plaque and stains compared to manual toothbrushes. However, electric toothbrushes can be more expensive than manual toothbrushes.

Sonic Toothbrushes

Sonic toothbrushes are a type of electric toothbrush that uses high-frequency vibrations to clean the teeth. These vibrations create a sonic wave that helps to dislodge plaque and debris from the teeth and gums. Sonic toothbrushes are more effective at cleaning than manual or electric toothbrushes and can help to whiten the teeth.

Sonic toothbrushes are a good option for people who have heightened sensitivity because they are gentle on the teeth and gums. However, they can be expensive compared to manual or electric toothbrushes.

Which Toothbrush is the Best?

The best toothbrush for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow when choosing a toothbrush:

  • Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.
  • Look for a toothbrush with a small head that can reach all areas of your mouth, including the back teeth.
  • Consider an electric toothbrush if you have difficulty using a manual toothbrush or want a more effective cleaning option.
  • If you opt for an electric toothbrush, choose a model with different modes and settings that suit your sensitivity.

Choosing the right toothbrush is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. There are different types of toothbrushes available, including manual, electric, and sonic toothbrushes. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best toothbrush for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Whatever type of toothbrush you choose, make sure it has soft bristles and a small head to effectively clean all areas of your mouth. Better yet; make a visit to Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair and let’s talk about how best to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7