How much does your smile benefit when you keep up with a consistent flossing routine? When flossing is part of your overall strategy for preventing dental and periodontal problems, you can enjoy better protection against those familiar threats of tooth decay and gum disease. Of course, not everyone puts equal effort into flossing – if you are inconsistent or inattentive in your efforts, you can face a greater risk for problems. If you find yourself unsure of how effective your flossing regimen is, talk to your Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office about your routine during your next preventive dental exam.
1. Only Flossing To Remove Food Debris
Obviously, you should try to remove pieces of food stuck between your teeth! With that said, this should not be the only time you floss. You should make a daily habit of flossing, to ensure that you are not likely to suffer a problem that calls for restorative dental work. You might not feel the presence of any harmful agents between teeth, but remember that oral bacteria can occupy these spaces without drawing your notice, and they are certainly capable of causing problems!
2. Ignoring Your Gum Line
If the health of your gums concerns your dentist, an ultrasonic scaling can be recommended. This procedure eliminates bacteria that gather below your gum line, and lead to worrying periodontal infections. What you should know is that your approach to flossing can influence your risk for gum troubles. When you floss, bring the string down to the base of your teeth. By doing so, you remove those bacteria that are already accumulating at your gum line, and might infiltrate the spaces below.
3. Not Flossing At All
Simply put, if you are not flossing, you are not fully protecting your smile! When you only brush your teeth, you can do little for the spaces between them, which can become an issue. Your hygienist can identify plaque deposits between your teeth during your routine dental cleaning, and your dentist might notice a tendency for tooth decay to occur around these areas, which can result in the need for dental fillings, or even dental crowns! A complete approach to daily dental care should consist of brushing, flossing, and smart diet choices. If one piece of this overall strategy is conspicuously absent, the health of your smile can suffer!
Talk To Dr. Browne About Better Protection For Your Smile!
Talk to Dr. Browne during your next dental exam if you have questions about flossing, or concerns about your current approach. During every dental visit, you can use your time in our office to become better informed about your oral care routine, while also enjoying expert feedback about the condition of your smile. To learn more or to schedule a visit with Dr. Browne, contact our office today at (913) 901-8585.
