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The Importance of Flossing Daily

The Importance of Flossing Daily

How you and your family dentist in North Vernon, Indiana can help prevent gum disease

Flossing is important because it’s the only way to clean in between your teeth. Your toothbrush simply can’t get there to clean away plaque, bacteria, and food debris. Your family dentist and staff can help you learn the best way to floss.

Dr. Scott A. Terry is a family dentist in North Vernon, Indiana who offers a wide range of dental services, including preventive care techniques to give you the best chance of avoiding gum disease.

Gum disease, periodontal disease, and tooth decay are all caused by plaque. That’s because plaque contains millions of microscopic bacteria that produce toxins that can destroy your gums and your teeth.

When you disturb and remove the plaque, it limits the amount of toxins in your mouth. Getting rid of plaque helps promote a healthy smile.

Did you know that the health of your mouth is tied to the health of your body? It’s true. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, an unhealthy mouth increases your risk of heart disease, having a stroke, developing Alzheimer’s disease, and other serious conditions.

When you floss at least once each day, you get rid of the plaque between your teeth, which is where most gum disease, periodontal disease, and tooth decay starts.

So, let’s talk about flossing technique. You start with about 18 inches of floss. Wrap each end of the floss around the middle finger of each hand, leaving only a small amount which you will put in between your teeth.

Gently slide the floss in between your teeth until you feel resistance against your gums. Don’t press down too hard because you can cut your gum tissue. Once the floss is down in between your teeth, wrap the floss around the tooth surface, making a “C” shape around the tooth. Move the floss up and down a few times to clean the surface of your tooth, and then move to the next tooth and repeat the action.

Switch to a clean section of floss and continue flossing each tooth until you have cleaned your entire mouth. Learning to floss takes a little bit of time at first, but soon you will be flossing your entire mouth in a couple of minutes.

Flossing can save your smile and your health. To find out more about the importance of flossing, call Dr. Scott A. Terry in North Vernon, Indiana at (812) 346-4500 today.