We like to see our patients smile, and we’ve noticed that patients are much more likely to share their smiles when they have a full set of teeth.
You may or may not know that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. We do offer both non-surgical gum disease treatments and restorative dentistry at our Stone Mountain, GA office. However, we would prefer to help you prevent the kinds of problems that require those services whenever possible.
And one of the simplest things you can do to fight gum disease is flossing, along with getting regular dental cleanings and exams at Blankenship Family Dentistry. Call 770-766-8995 to make an appointment with us. Keep ready to learn about the benefits of flossing.
Flossing Done Right
The day after Thanksgiving is National Flossing Day. That big feast makes this a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of cleaning between our teeth and gums.
The American Dental Association recommends regular checkups with dental professionals, but your daily habits are what make the biggest difference in your oral health. That’s why the ADA recommends brushing and flossing every day.
To be more specific, the ADA advises that you should brush for two minutes twice per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. If you scrub your teeth on all sides, you will remove a lot of harmful bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Yet, brushing doesn’t do a great job of cleaning between your teeth and gums.
That’s why you should floss daily as well.
Now, dental floss is the most common tool for cleaning the spaces your toothbrush misses. When used correctly, dental floss is extremely effective at doing this job. It doesn’t matter whether you use floss that is waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored, thin or thick. As long as it has the ADA Seal of Acceptance and you find the kind the works for you, you are good to go.
Even so, the ADA’s own survey found that only 40 percent of people floss daily and 20 percent of people said they never floss. The reasons vary from person to person, but many people just don’t like flossing at all.
That’s why it’s good to know about some other interdental cleaning options. Many people prefer flossers because they find them simpler to use than dental floss. Flossers have short handles with a strand of floss on one end. This can make it easier to clean between teeth in the back of your mouth. You can find flossers in the toothpaste aisle of most stores.
Water picks are also a good option for many people. These devices use a stream of water to remove food pieces and plaque. When used correctly, they can be as effective as dental floss.
Protect Your Smile
You should remain free from gum disease for as long as you can. Being proactive by brushing, flossing, and visiting Blankenship Family Dentistry can help you avoid those problems.
Call 770-766-8995 now or contact us online to request your next appointment with us!