September 4, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 15 A practical guide to more effective flossing Dentists frequently advise patents to floss more often. Flossing is the key to preventing tartar buildup at the gum line and to reduce bleeding between teeth from inflamed gum tissue. Still, many overlook the benefits of flossing or simply do not know how to floss effectively. The purpose of flossing is to remove food particles that become lodged in places a toothbrush cannot reach, such as under the gum line and between the teeth. Flossing should not take the place of brushing. Instead, use flossing in con- junction with brushing. To floss more effectively, find a floss product that is easy to use and comfortable. Floss comes in nylon or multi- filament varieties, and PFTE or monofilament. There also are floss brushes and single-use floss sticks that can facili- tate flossing and cleaning teeth. Floss that is comfortable makes flossing more enjoyable. Otherwise, you may put off flossing if it is cumbersome or difficult. To make the most of flossing, employ the proper tech- nique. If you have teeth that have tight contact points, you probably will want to use a monofilament floss that will not shred or break apart. Others may be able to work with a nylon floss. Floss also may come in waxed varieties for easier gliding between the teeth. Some flosses have fluo- ride already on them to help prevent cavities. To begin flossing correctly, start with a piece of floss about 18 inches in length. Wind the excess floss around your middle fingers and keep about two inches handy between thumb and index finger for use between the teeth. Use a gentle sawing motion between the teeth to work the floss along the natural curve of the teeth and where each tooth meets the gum line. Do not snap the floss against the gums. Doing so can cause trauma to the tissue. Angle the floss so it forms a “C” shape and hugs the tooth. Slide the floss up and down each tooth and make sure it gently goes a little below the gum line. Repeat on the opposite side of each tooth. As you floss each tooth, release clean floss from your fingers so you have a fresh area for cleaning the next tooth. Follow up flossing with brushing to remove any errant bits of food and plaque. Then rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. It is advisable to floss twice a day before brushing. However, once a day will be sufficient and should be reserved for before bed. If using flossing aides, follow the same general tech- niques, but use a new aide when the one being used becomes soiled or damaged. Cardiovascular exercise involves a variety of benefits Active people tend to have varying views on cardio- vascular exercise, or cardio. Often done at the end of a workout, cardio rarely evokes a staid response from fitness aficionados asked to share their thoughts on this valuable type of exercise. Fans of cardio will admit they love the feeling they get during and after a rigorous round of this type of exercise, which includes activities like running, cycling, and walking. There is no denying that cardio offers numerous benefits, many of which even avid athletes might be unaware. Cardio boosts brain power. Perhaps the least known benefit of cardio is its positive impact on the brain. During cardiovascular exercise, the brain is being flooded with chemicals that improve decision making, memory, and problem solving. Cardio can also help preserve memory and improve the ability to learn. While the physical ben- efits of exercise are widely known and noticeable to the naked eye, cardiovascular exercise can be just as effective at improving cognitive function. Cardio can improve your appearance. Improving physi- cal appearance is a motivating factor for many physically active men and women, and cardio can go a long way toward improving physical appearance because it increases lean body tissue while reducing fat. Cardiovascular exer- cise is a healthy way to burn calories and lose weight. Cardio can help reduce the severity of preexisting con- ditions. Arthritis sufferers have long looked to cardiovas- cular exercise as a healthy way to relieve the pain caused by their condition. Water exercises like swimming are great cardiovascular exercises, especially for those looking to relieve arthritis pain. An exercise such as swimming keeps joints moving while strengthening muscles surrounding those joints. Studies have shown that cardiovascular exer- cise also can lower blood pressure. Cardio can improve mood. Cardiovascular exercise can benefit men and women suffering from depression or those who are simply having a bad day. That is because the mood- boosting chemical serotonin is released to the brain during cardio, helping to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression or fatigue. Cardio can make tomorrow’s workout easier. Recov- ery time is important for athletes, many of whom want to ensure their bodies are ready for tomorrow’s workout even before they finish today’s exercise. Cardiovascular exercise helps to deliver more oxygen-rich blood to muscle tissue, aiding in tissue repair and recovery. The quicker your body can rebound from today’s workout, the more effective tomorrow’s workout will be. So even if you don’t enjoy that pit stop at the treadmill before you head home, it’s paying more dividends than you might realize.