When Marla came in to our Toluca Lake dentist office for her regular dental cleaning, she felt like she was doing a pretty good job caring for her smile. But during her dental cleaning, it became obvious that Marla hadn’t been flossing enough!
Most patients should be flossing at least once a day—preferably before bed. Maria was flossing once a week at the most, and it was starting to show in her smile. Flossing is critical for removing plaque from between teeth. Although brushing is effective for removing plaque on the surface of the teeth, the bristles of your toothbrush cannot clean between your teeth.
Over time, the plaque build up between teeth can cause dental irritation and disease. Plaque can cause dental cavities as well as gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). So what can you do about it?
1. Floss at least once a day to minimize plaque build up. When you floss, make sure to use a clean section of your string of floss to clean between each tooth.
2. Notify your dentist if you notice any of the signs of gum disease. Common symptoms include:
· Persistent bad breath
· Red gum tissue
· Bleeding gums
· A smile that doesn’t feel slick and clean after brushing and flossing
With proper care, you can prevent gum disease, and the serious dental complications that come along with it. Proper daily dental hygiene and regular professional cleanings will help you keep your smile in tiptop shape. Marla made a few modifications to her daily dental hygiene routine and noticed results in just a few weeks!
Our Toluca Lake dentist can give your more information about methods for preventing gum disease—including flossing—at your first consultation. Give us a call to get started, or contact our dental team by clicking here. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile of your dreams.