Spring is about new beginnings. Baby animals are born, flowers bloom, and leaves return to tree branches. When you think about spring, you may not make a connection to your oral health, but this season of change is the perfect time to stop bad dental habits. Ankeny dentist, Dr. Amanda Foust has tips for freshening your breath, preventing gum disease, and avoiding cavities.
Flossing Daily Prevents Gum Disease
Even if you brush twice a day with an ADA-approved, soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoridated toothpaste, and even use antiseptic mouthwash, your oral hygiene is incomplete. Flossing is vital to removing food particles from between your teeth and gums. Some dentists even suggest flossing is more important than brushing. The thin string of floss can reach in the places brushing leaves behind and dislodge stuck food debris.
Ignoring these food particles can result in bacteria and plaque buildup along the gum line. Plaque buildup enflames the gingival tissue creating sensitive gums that bleed during brushing. These are the first signs of gum disease, known as gingivitis. Flossing before bed every night will keep your gums infection-free.
Cleaning Your Tongue Stops Bad Breath
Skipping cleaning your tongue can have dire consequences for your social life. Bad breath is one of the most commonly cited socially unacceptable traits. Foul odors in your mouth are often caused by bacteria. One of the most bacteria-friendly places in your mouth is on the taste buds at the back of your tongue.This oral health issue can be easily remedied with daily tongue cleanings. After you brush your teeth, scrub the back of your tongue, rinsing after each swipe. Most modern toothbrushes are equipped with tongue scrapers however, toothbrush bristles work just as well.
Stay tuned to next week’s blog for more common oral hygiene mistakes and how to correct them. If you are suffering from chronic bad breath or if you have questions about how to floss correctly, our Ankeny dental hygienist can help. Dental cleanings are the perfect time to receive advice about oral hygiene. Call our Ankeny dentist office today at (515) 965-0230. We proudly serve patients from Bondurant, Elkhard, Polk City, Alleman, and the neighboring communities near Ankeny.
