Although it is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, about one-third of all patients skip flossing. This can lead to bad breath, buildup between your teeth, cavities, gingivitis, and many more problems. Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, is here to remind you to include this step in your routine daily. This simple action can help prevent multiple oral health concerns. If you notice that you bleed when you thread between your teeth, it could be a sign of gingivitis. It is important to have this examined and treated as soon as possible to avoid more severe side effects.
Read more: Do You Floss Regularly?Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Twice a day, you should brush and floss your teeth. The act of brushing helps remove particles from food and prevent cavities. However, your toothbrush is not able to reach all surfaces of your oral cavity. After brushing, you should follow up by threading between each tooth with floss. Cup the thread around each tooth in a C-shape in order to thoroughly reach each space. If you are unable to use the typical string floss, a water pick is a helpful alternative. You should also see the dentist twice a year for checkups and a cleaning. These steps can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other problems.
Why Do We Floss?
As mentioned above, brushing alone can not thoroughly clean your mouth. Flossing helps get rid of bacteria that may be trapped between teeth. It can also help prevent cavities and gum disease. Periodontal disease occurs when you have poor oral hygiene. The earliest stage, gingivitis, may be noticed if your gums are swollen, red, or inflamed. Your dentist may recognize these symptoms during your biannual checkup and recommend that periodontal cleanings are performed to treat the issue.
Your oral tissue helps keep your teeth in place and acts as a protective barrier. Healthy gums should be pink, firm to the touch, and not sensitive. Flossing helps keep this tissue healthy by preventing plaque buildup from occurring below the gumline.
How Periodontal Treatment Can Help
Gum disease can affect your oral and physical health. If you have gingivitis, you may notice that your breath has a foul odor, even after brushing your teeth. Further stages of periodontitis can also cause the tissue to recede or become detached from the root of the tooth. As a result, you may experience tooth loss. To treat gingivitis or maintain periodontitis, deep cleanings may be necessary. During these treatments, plaque buildup is removed from below the tissue line. Root planing is also done to help reattach the tissue to the root.
We Offer Periodontal Cleanings
If you are experiencing symptoms of gingivitis, we can help you. To schedule an appointment with Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, call us at (515) 965-0230.
