August 17, 2017

Brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day and visiting your dentist or periodontist regularly can do more than just keep your smile bright and clean. It can also help prevent conditions like gum disease that eventually lead to teeth and bone loss if left unchecked. Flossing may seem like a simple task and not as important as brushing, but in the long run, it can make a huge difference in the fight against gum disease. Gingivitis, which is gum disease in its earliest form, affects close to 75 percent of the people in the United States, and flossing is a big part of the cure.

Even when you brush your teeth, debris, bacteria and food can get stuck in the little pockets that the toothbrush can reach. Whether your teeth are too close together or just hard to reach with a brush, floss is designed to loosen those particles to be removed by rinsing and brushing. Flossing also helps keep your breath fresh and polishes the surface of the tooth.

What Type of Floss Should You Use?

There are many different types of floss, and it’s often hard to tell which type to use. Dr. Codelli is happy to discuss the right type of floss with you, but we have a few suggestions.

  • If you have bridgework, you may want to use wide floss or dental tape.
  • If you have a space between your teeth that is wider than average, dental tape is also your best bet.
  • If your teeth are abnormally close together, waxed floss is easier to get into those hard to reach spaces.
  • If you want solid proof that your teeth are clean, unwaxed floss may squeak when moved against clean teeth.

While there are mechanical flossing options and oral irrigation tools, nothing compares to good old-fashioned flossing by hand.

Give Us a Call

If you are concerned about gum disease and want to learn more about the best way to fight it, schedule an appointment today with us at Solid City Smiles.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

  • 5 Signs You Need to See Your Dentist

    Most people only think about going to the dentist when they see their six-month check-up on the calendar. However, you may not want to wait until your next appointment if you experience concerning symptoms related to your gums and teeth. As Dr. Kaz Zymantas, a Naperville, IL dentist from Premier Dental often tells patients, dental […]

  • What Are the Different Types of Tooth Pain?

    Have you ever over-exercised and strained yourself a bit? You might feel some dull aches in your hamstrings or biceps. However, if you actually tear a muscle, the discomfort will be more intense and indicative of something that requires a physician. In the same way, tooth pain is not a one-size-fits-all term. Naperville, IL dentist […]

  • Improve Your Mouth, Improve Yourself

    Dr. Kaz Zymantas and our team at Premier Dental want to help people all over the Naperville, IL area improve themselves during national “Self Improvement Month!” And one of the best ways to give your self-esteem and entire body a boost is through a regular dental visit! Dentistry can help improve the look and function […]

  • How to Handle Dental Emergencies

    Most people know how to respond to a bodily injury like a soft tissue cut or broken bone. But do you know how to handle a dental emergency? Depending on the situation, you can reduce the risk of damage or tooth loss if you take action. Learn from Dr. Kaz Zymantas, our dentist, on how […]

  • What Are Space Maintainers?

    Baby teeth are important for many reasons. They provide your children with the ability to chew and speak properly, which is essential for healthy bodies and self-esteem. They also hold the space for permanent teeth, so that when they erupt, there is room for them to grow in. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, it […]

  • Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth

    Your teeth are more important than you might realize. A beautiful, healthy smile not only helps you look younger, it helps you feel better. With healthy teeth, you can eat an unrestricted diet and get the nutrients you need. Your teeth also stimulate your jaw bone, staving off osteoporosis. Dr. Kaz Zyantas stresses the importance […]

  • Quiz: All About Wisdom Teeth

    How much do you know about wisdom teeth? Even though everyone has them, there is a surprising amount of misinformation, especially surrounding their maintenance and extraction. As a dentist who removes wisdom teeth, in Naperville, IL, Dr. Kaz Zymantas frequently dispels myths about these “third molars”. Take our quiz to find out if you are […]

  • Children’s Root Canals

    Even baby teeth can become infected. When the core of your child’s tooth is diseased or injured, the entire tooth does not need to be extracted. Dr. Carolyn B. Cromwell recommends pulpotomy for her Avon, OH, patients. A pulpotomy is a treatment, like a root canal, which saves the tooth but removes the infection and […]

  • The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

    You may have always heard that orthodontic appointments don’t need to start until your child is old enough for braces. But did you know that early orthodontic visits (and treatments) can make the entire process smoother and more effective? It has to do with the growth and development of children’s jaws and baby teeth. Catching […]

  • The Risks of Living With Gum Disease

     Gum disease is an oral health issue that plagues around half of the adult population of the United States. Even if you are meticulous about your home oral hygiene, you are still at risk for developing gum disease. While Dr. Ann Mineo Kania and the staff at the office of Ann Mineo Kania, DDS, DMSc […]

Dental Consulting By Progressive Dental