To maintain the best possible oral hygiene, you should brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis. However, if you do not brush and floss correctly, you will not reap the best possible benefits of your everyday hygiene routine. Your family dentist can help you determine if your brushing and flossing techniques are effective.
Flossing Your Teeth Effectively
Proper technique is vital to effective flossing. When performed properly, flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth as well as from just under the edges of the gums. Flossing also helps massage the gums, increasing blood flow to the tissues and helping them remain healthy.
When performed properly, flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth as well as from just under the edges of the gums.
To floss your teeth properly, you should use a length of floss about eighteen inches long. Anchor the floss by wrapping it around a finger on each hand. Slide the floss between your teeth and gently move it back and forth and up and down the space between the teeth. The floss should wrap slightly around the tooth, especially as it moves just below the gumline. If you have any questions about proper technique, ask your family dentist to demonstrate.
The Side Effects of Not Flossing Properly
Not flossing can lead to serious side effects. Your teeth are much more likely to experience decay if plaque is allowed to build up between the teeth or under the gumline. You are also much more likely to develop gum disease if you do not floss on a regular basis. Gum disease can lead to serious problems, including eventual tooth loss. If you have any difficulty flossing, or need special tools in order to floss effectively, ask your family dentist to recommend products that can help you.
Untreated gum disease can also lead to systemic problems, such as inflammation in the circulatory system. Though oral health doesn’t seem like it would be related to cardiovascular health, studies have shown that the presence of inflammation in the gums can lead to inflammation in the blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of coronary disease.
Contact the office of Dr. Dan Bush for more information about correct dental care techniques.
