In November of 2000, the National Flossing Council created National Flossing Day to educate patients about the importance of keeping teeth and gums in pristine condition. Occurring annually the day after Thanksgiving, it’s a fantastic way to give thanks to our teeth for helping us enjoy such delicious food.
Why is Flossing Important?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing between teeth at least once a day for good oral health. Flossing helps in the removal of plaque from teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and saliva that collects below the gum line and can harden into tartar over time. By not practicing good oral hygiene, such as flossing and brushing, bacteria can cause inflammation known as periodontal disease. This disease causes receding gums, tooth decay and possible tooth loss.
Benefits of Flossing
Daily flossing helps decrease the amount of food particles and debris left in the mouth. In turn, this helps decrease plaque build-up that can cause tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
Prevents tooth decay: When plaque build-up occurs, it can damage tooth enamel which weakens teeth and causes tooth decay. Flossing and proper dental maintenance can help prevent plaque build-up and keep teeth strong.
Prevents bad breath: Food consumed throughout the day leaves particles and debris between teeth which eventually deteriorates and causes a bad odor. Similar to leaving leftovers in the fridge for too long – eventually they’ll grow mold and produce a disgusting odor. Flossing helps remove trapped debris from between teeth leaving the mouth fresh.
Prevents gum disease: When plaque builds up, collects around the teeth and is not removed it is considered tartar. Tartar is one of the leading causes of gum disease. Daily flossing decreases the amount of plaque build-up on the teeth, therefore helping gums stay healthy.
Should I Floss Before or After Brushing?
If it’s a thorough job, flossing can occur either before or after brushing. Find a time of day that suits you best, utilize the simple flossing tips below, and get to flossing!
Simple Flossing Tips
Wash hands before flossing
Use approximately 18 inches of dental floss
A gentle up and down motion to clean between teeth is best
Use a new section of floss between each tooth
1 minute a day keeps the Doctor away
For tightly spaced teeth stick to waxed floss
Focus on the front and back teeth
Don’t use foreign objects to floss teeth
On National Flossing Day and beyond, let floss be a tool in your oral health arsenal. In addition, keep brushing and contact us for your regular teeth cleaning and comprehensive dental exam. To schedule an appointment, contact your nearest Roseman Dental location.
If a muralist was to paint a portrait of the 2020 Thanksgiving celebration, it may look a little different from that of the first feast shared between the Pilgrams and Native Americans in 1621 or even your own feast in 2019.
As the United States continues an upward trend of COVID-19 cases during the month of November, experts are cautioning traditional Thanksgiving celebrations of large gatherings. According to the Nevada COVID Map and Case Count by the New York Times, on November 19 Nevada reported the highest count since the beginning of November with 2,128 cases. Over the past week (11/13/2020-11/19/2020), Nevada has reported an average of 1,839 cases per day which is an increase of 87 percent from the average two weeks earlier.
For those planning a traditional Thanksgiving during COVID, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some recommendations to minimize the risk of having COVID-19 as an additional guest during Thanksgiving dinner.
6 Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving during COVID
If planning to travel out of state, Dr. Morgenstern suggests getting a flu vaccine before your trip as an added barrier. Whether celebrating close to home or far away, taking necessary precautions could help reduce the risk of COVID-19 or other harmful viruses from affecting you and your loved ones.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Awareness Month takes place every November with the purpose of educating the public about the realities of TMJ disorders. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, estimates suggest that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is a hinge that connects the jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. There is one joint on each side of the jaw. This joint works together with supporting jaw muscles and ligaments to help an individual talk, chew, and yawn by moving the jaw up and down, and side to side.
Because this joint is so small and delicate, it’s prone to becoming damaged, inflamed or irritated. When this occurs, an individual might experience issues with chewing, speaking or opening their mouth, and suffer from severe pain and discomfort.
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is the term used to refer to the various disorders that can affect the temporomandibular joint.
What causes TMD?
The TMJ combines a hinge action with gliding motions. The parts that interact in the joint are shielded with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk which keeps the movement smooth. Although the exact cause of the condition is not clear, there are several factors that may increase the risk of developing TMD.
Causes and possible risk factors include:
Deterioration of the disk through various types of autoimmune diseases
Jaw injury or dislocation due to trauma from an accident
Overuse through excessive gum chewing or teeth grinding and/or clenching
Tooth or jaw alignment
Infection or inflammation in the chewing muscles
What are the Symptoms of TMD?
An individual with TMD often experiences severe pain and discomfort. It can be temporary or last several years and might affect one of both sides of the face. TMJ disorders are known to affect more women than men and are most commonly found in those between the ages of 20 and 40.
Common symptoms include:
Pain or tenderness in the TMJ or jaw muscles
Locking of TMJ – making it difficult to open or close the mouth
Clicking sound or grating sensation when opening the mouth or chewing
Tension in the face, neck and shoulders
A change in teeth alignment
Treatment Options for TMD
Most TMJ disorders are self-limiting, therefore a conservative approach is best. This approach includes eating soft foods, avoiding repetitive function (gum chewing, biting nails, ice chewing), modifying pain with heat packs, and practicing relaxation techniques to minimize tension. A dentist may recommend exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles, medications, or a night guard or bite plate to decrease grinding or clenching.
Care at Roseman Dental
Patients experiencing symptoms associated with a TMJ disorder, needing help to treat pain, jaw dysfunction, or restoration of bite can visit Roseman Dental. To find out how to become a patient of Roseman Dental at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at the location closest to you. Roseman Dental is here to help in eliminating the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders.
Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your oral care and your safety. The Orthodontic Clinic at Roseman Dental, the clinical practice of the Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, has been serving Southern Nevada with affordable, high-quality orthodontic care for more than 10 years and we care deeply about the safety and well-being of our patients.
Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow and subscribe to these agencies because your safety is of the utmost importance to us. Our affiliation with these organizations ensures that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.
Infection control has always been a top priority, and you may have noticed this during your visits to our office. We have established infection control processes that have been in place for the safety and comfort of our patients and for our own protection as well. We have added some safety controls on top of our normal procedures for added precaution and want to make sure you know what to expect as you return to see us.
We have been hard at work getting our office ready for you and we look forward to welcoming you! We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. We will be contacting you to schedule an appointment, once the state provides a date and adequate PPE supplies are acquired.
Beginning Tuesday, May 26th, telehealth services will be offered to our patients. Our team will start contacting patients to schedule telehealth appointments with our residents to assess treatment progress and orthodontic needs. Appointments for in-clinic visits will be made based on telehealth assessments, taking into consideration immediate and emergent needs. The clinic is expected to re-open for on-site services in June. Further details on the date and appointment times will be finalized based on the telehealth visits. More information on on-site visits for routine orthodontic care will be sent to all patients and we look forward to seeing you in our clinic very soon!
If you have an orthodontic emergency or have any questions, please free to call 702-968-5222, Option 2.
Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors, and friends.
It’s okay to not brush my teeth tonight. A thought that has crossed almost everyone’s minds at least once or twice. Well, it’s time to stop thinking that. Brushing your teeth is a crucial part of your day and it shouldn’t be skipped. We all know brushing is important, but we all have to ask ourselves – Are we brushing our teeth properly?
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Brushing your teeth isn’t the only thing you should be doing to keep your teeth healthy and clean. In order to have a complete dental care routine the ADA suggests that you make sure to:
Clean between teeth daily with floss. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Habits of brushing your teeth should start young. If children learn to enjoy brushing, they will be able to prevent oral health problems in the future. Brushing and flossing properly is a great start to preventative dental care.
For more information on children’s oral health download Roseman’s “A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Tooth Decay” brochure here.
To keep your pearly whites as brilliant as possible, you can use the usual whitening methods: expensive professional treatments, gum, toothpaste, and mouthwash. There are also simple, everyday habits that can help brighten your smile. Your teeth not only help you speak and eat, but they contribute to your overall appearance. Here are the top three tips to help you keep your teeth sparkling white.
Replace your toothbrush. Make sure to replace your electric toothbrush head or manual toothbrush every two to three months, or more often if you’ve had a cold. The bristles of the brush transfer germs to your mouth. Also, brush your teeth properly by placing the toothbrush against your gums at a 45-degree angle and lightly move it in a circular motion, not back-and-forth. Hold your toothbrush as you do a pencil so you don’t scrub too vigorously.
Gargle before brushing with apple cider vinegar. Rinsing with apple cider vinegar in the morning before brushing helps remove stains and whiten your teeth. It will also kill germs lurking on your gums and in your mouth.
Avoid teeth-staining food. Smoking cigarettes and drinking black tea, cola, and red wine will stain your teeth. Any food or drink that is dark will probably result in stains. Brushing immediately after drinking or eating dark-colored food or drinks can help. You can also use an effective teeth-whitening product from your dentist or over-the-counter.
Eat an apple, also known as nature’s toothbrush, for convenient teeth cleaning action. Crisp, firm foods help clean your teeth while you are eating them, such as popcorn, celery, and raw carrots. For best results, choose these options as the final food in your meal if you won’t be able to brush your teeth right after eating. You’ve worked hard to get your teeth white, so make sure to take the steps necessary to keep them that way.
James M. Broadbent, DDS, MS Associate Professor of Dental Medicine
Dr. James M. Broadbent joined Roseman University of Health Sciences in 2009 (the first year of orthodontic residency training) as a full-time faculty member in the Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics/MBA (AEODO/MBA) Residency Program. At Roseman, he is course director of several modules of learning. He serves on University faculty senate and several committees. His professional and research interests include phase I orthopedic growth modification, functional jaw orthopedics, accelerated orthodontics, facial esthetics, and air way and temporomandibular joint disorders.
Dr. Broadbent graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Zoology. Dr. Broadbent received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago. He completed a dental specialties internship at the Chandler Medical Center, University of Kentucky. He then served as an Assistant Professor of Crown and Bridge at Northwestern University Dental School and practiced general dentistry prior to dental specialty training. Dr Broadbent received his Master of Science (MS) degree and Certificate in Orthodontics from Northwestern University.
Dr. Broadbent practiced orthodontics many years in Provo, Utah, and served as adjunct faculty at Utah Technical College (now Utah Valley University), American Institute of Medical Dental Technology, and Provo College. Dr. Broadbent made a significant contribution to the art and science of orthodontics in teaching numerous continuing education courses, seminars, and presentations at local, state, and national and international dental meetings, and university graduate training programs. Along the way, he was awarded the Joseph E. Johnson Outstanding Table Clinic, American Association of Orthodontists, and twice the (AAFO) J. Robert Bronson Clinician of the Year award.
Dr. Broadbent completed board certification in orthodontics, achieving the status of Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics. His interest and training in temporomandibular joint disorders and oral facial pain lead to achieving status of Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management.
Dr. Broadbent has published many articles in several professional journals. He served as president of the Provo District Dental Society, Utah Dental Association annual program, and president of the Utah Association of Orthodontists.
Dr. Broadbent demonstrates vision and leadership in community organizations and service. He is recognized as a Kentucky Colonel, Commonwealth of Kentucky; member President’s Club, Brigham Young University; Boy Scouts of America distinguished Silver Beaver; and James E. West Fellow. For more than 20 years he served the Boy Scouts of America; Utah National Parks Council (one of the largest National BSA Councils), as Council Jamboree Chairman; National Boy Scout Jamboree, A.P. Hill Virginia (1985, 1989, 1993); and Chair of highly successful Council Events (1996, 2000) and as Utah National Parks Council Commissioner (1987-2000) and UNPC Vice President Program (2000-2003). He earned the distinguished Eagle Scout and Silver Explorer awards.
Dr. Broadbent is a member of the American Dental Association, Utah Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists, Utah Association of Orthodontists, American Association for Functional Orthodontics, International Association for Orthodontics, and the American Dental Educators Association.
Before joining Roseman University of Health Sciences, he served as attending dentist and adjunct faculty instructor of several courses of education at Salt Lake Community College, Dental Hygiene Program (South Jordan Utah Campus).
Dr. Broadbent is licensed to practice dentistry in California, Nevada, and Utah.
Personal activities include fly fishing, off-road rock crawling motor sports, over landing motor sports, and white water river running.
Prashanti Bollu, MBA, MS, DMD Program Director, Associate Professor of Dental Medicine, AEODO/MBA Program
Dr. Prashanti Bollu received dental school training from Boston University School of Dental Medicine. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration as well as a Master’s in Business Administration. Part of the inaugural class, Dr. Bollu received her orthodontic training from the Roseman University of Health Sciences.
Dr. Bollu has received several awards for outstanding academic achievements during her undergraduate and graduate training. Her interest in research was sparked early in dental school and strengthened further during her employment at Boston University during which time she worked with many prominent researchers. She has been involved in several research projects and presented multiple posters at national conferences. Dr. Bollu has been recognized by DENTSPLY and Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, for outstanding research.
Besides serving as a clinical and teaching faculty, Dr. Bollu was actively involved in growing the research component of the Advanced Education in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics (AEODO) /MBA Residency Program. As Director of Dental Research for College of Dental Medicine (Henderson Campus), she facilitated all resident and faculty research endeavors. Her research interests include Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), practice management issues, orthodontic insurance coverage gaps and access to orthodontic care.
Currently, Dr. Prashanti Bollu serves as the Interim Program Director for the AEODO/MBA residency program. She also practices in a few private orthodontic offices in the Las Vegas area. Dr. Bollu is a Board Certified Orthodontist and has active professional affiliations with multiple national and regional dental/orthodontic associations including American Association of Orthodontics, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and Southern Nevada Dental Society. She has also been a member of the International Association of Dental Research as well as the American Association of Dental Research.
