Choosing the right dentist and dental practice can make all the difference in the results you get. Our dedicated and compassionate team has helped many patients in the Kanawha Valley and throughout West Virginia attain smiles they are proud to show off. Each of our dentists are committed to building lasting relationships with our patients in order to provide them with the personalized care they deserve.
Dr. Chapman is a native of Barboursville, WV. He received his Bachelor of Science from Marshall University where he majored in chemistry and minored in physics. He went on to earn his doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree from West Virginia University. Dr. Chapman has extensive training in dental implants, Invisalign, and is using Botox and dermal fillers to enhance cosmetic dentistry for his patients.
Professional memberships help Dr. Chapman stay informed and raise public awareness about the benefits of oral health. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, West Virginia Dental Association, Kanawha Valley Dental Society, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Originally from Morgantown, West Virginia, Dr. Puderbaugh earned her bachelor's degree in natural science from Xavier University. She then pursued her graduate training at West Virginia University where she received her DDS degree. Dr. Puderbaugh takes pride in providing state-of-the-art care to all of her patients. With innovative technology, she delivers comfortable, comprehensive, and convenient care for lasting oral health.
The AP reporter noticed that flossing is no longer recommended and asked the departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture for their evidence and then followed up with written requests under the Freedom of Information Act. The federal government acknowledged the effectiveness of flossing had never been fully researched. Since federal law requires that the dietary guidelines be evidence-based and the effectiveness of flossing hadnt actually been researched properly, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee made a deliberate decision to focus on food and nutrient intake (i.e., added sugar) instead.
Since then, the story has been circulating on social media. Many readers and news outlets have drawn conclusions that simply are not accurate. Some have even referred to floss as useless or gone so far to call it a scam for dental companies to sell products to the public.
So why does your dentist and dental hygienist recommend flossing? Because we see the results of people who do not floss daily. As a practicing dentist for more than 10 years, I can promise you that dental floss is far from useless and not just a marketing ploy.
When a patient who doesn't floss regularly comes to me, I frequently see cavities between the teeth, bleeding gum tissue, and inflammation. These are conditions that could be prevented simply by flossing every day prior to bed along with brushing twice daily.
Flossing helps prevent tooth decay, maintains gum health, and can improve total body health. Some patients come to our office after being referred by their physicians for a preoperative workup for organ transplant or joint replacement. Cancer patients prior to treatment are asked by their doctors to have an oral exam. Cardiologists refer patients to assist in managing cardiovascular health. These physicians know that what happens in the mouth can have direct effects on the rest of the body.
In my office patients are shown their teeth and gums on computer monitors. It gives me the ability to show before and after pictures of the improvements they experience once a hygiene regimen of daily flossing has been adopted.
In fact, this inflammation is now linked to serious health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Tooth decay and gum disease can also develop along with this inflammation when plaque is allowed to build up on teeth and along the gum line. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates nearly half of all adults (47 percent) age 30 and older have some form of periodontal, or gum, disease. By age 65 and older, approximately 70 percent of adults have periodontal disease.
To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association continues to recommend brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Think of it this way: a package of dental floss costs you a few dollars and flossing takes a few minutes every day. That's a much lower cost in time and money than you'll pay for not flossing, when you spend hours in the dentist chair and perhaps thousands of dollars for dental services all the while improving your total body health.