Words Of Wisdom No.8: "Practice Flossing With Your Eyes Shut"

The American Dental Association recommends that everyone should floss at least once a day. Though, most Americans do not floss because they don’t understand the benefits that flossing offers. Flossing and brushing are not the same; brushing cleans the outer and top surfaces of the teeth and gums. Flossing, however, cleans the narrow spaces between the teeth and gums. Although antimicrobial mouthwash eliminates bacteria between the teeth, it will not remove the bits of food and tartar that lodge in between each tooth.

Why You Must Learn How to Floss - Flossing Protects the Gums

Within your mouth, there are bones in your upper and lower jaws. Your jaws anchor your teeth at their roots, and the roots and bones are covered with sensitive tissue. The areas where your teeth and gums meet can only be cleaned with dental floss. After hardy meals, food particles will lodge in between your teeth, so plaque will form and harden in the gaps over time. If a deposit becomes thick, a dentist must remove it with a scraper.

Tartar buildup causes gingivitis, which makes your gums red and swollen. Without treatment, the plaque and tartar will spread farther below your gum line, which will lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a major gum disease that causes severe inflammation and bone loss.

How To Floss - Easy Flossing Tips Recommended By Orthodontics King George Specialists

Pull out about 18 inches of dental floss. Do not use the entire string; instead, roll most of it around your middle fingers. You should have nearly an inch to work with.
Hold the floss between your index finger and your thumb and slide it between your teeth up-and-down.
You should curve the floss around each tooth gently. While flossing, ensure that the floss goes under your gum line.
Never use a forceful or snapping motion because the floss may bruise or cut your gum tissue.

For additional flossing tips, contact the nearest Orthodontics King George clinic in your area.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 11113 Leavells Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22407

Phone: 540-898-2200

Practice Flossing With Your Eyes Shut

Tooth brushing Mistake No.3: “Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough”

If your child has the bad habit of not brushing often enough or long enough, you know that there are going to be problems down the line. In addition to flossing on a daily basis, your child should brush his or her teeth for at least two minutes every time. That means devoting at least a minute to the top and a minute to the bottom, thoroughly brushing every surface to ensure the teeth are cleaned well. It's also essential that your child knows the proper method to brush teeth. Strokes should be short, moving back and forth across every surface, using the tip to get in hard to reach places, such as behind teeth that are in the front. If your child doesn't brush long enough, bacteria can continue to breed, leading to gum disease. Accumulating debris can cause decay and excess plaque can actually lead to heart problems in the future.

Brushing Often Enough is a Must as Well

In addition to the length of time that your child brushes, it is also to brush often enough. Twice a day is the recommended amount, once in the morning and once at night. However, your child can be even more vigilant and brush after every meal time, ensuring debris is removed from the teeth. Each time plaque is removed, it ensures better oral health.

Discuss Good Oral Hygiene and More

As you help your child to take care of his or her teeth, you may have additional concerns that require an orthodontist. Visit our website and make an appointment at Beecroft Orthodontics to discuss a host of issues, including Invisalign teen cost and Invisalign teen review. Help your child to have a beautiful smile. Begin with brushing and learn about other alternatives to make those pearly whites shine.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

Two Minutes Twice a Day