Getting Past Your Dental Fears And Learning About Technology

Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.

The 411 On Flossing: When And How To Floss

Dentist Blog

Most people understand the importance of brushing their teeth. Not only does it remove food and bacteria that can lead to dangerous plaque, cavities, decay, and gum disease, but proper brushing also keeps your teeth appealing. Unfortunately, you may not realize that flossing is also beneficial to your smile. With this guide, you will learn a few fascinating facts about flossing that can help improve the look and underlying health of your mouth, teeth, and gums.

Brushing and Flossing Do Not Go Hand In Hand

First and foremost, it is important to know that you do not need to brush and floss at the same time each day. While the American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time, flossing is only really necessary once a day.

When to floss does not matter, either. You can floss in the morning or at night before or after you brush your teeth. As long as you are flossing once a day and using the proper techniques, flossing will remove food and bacteria from in between, under, and behind your teeth to protect your smile.

Proper Flossing Techniques are Important

You may think flossing only requires moving a piece of string back and forth in between your teeth. This may seem sufficient, but learning how to floss properly is best if you want to have a healthy and appealing smile. If you are using traditional string floss, make sure to cut the string long enough where you can wrap one end around your index finger and the other end around your middle finger of the other hand.

Hold the string, so there are only a few inches between the index finger and middle finger. Grasp tightly. Glide the flossing string between one tooth, moving it in a gentle zig-zag motion. Wrap the string around the tooth in a C-shape, removing food and bacteria from the side of the tooth and the area between the gum tissue and tooth.

Do not use harsh sawing motions when flossing, since this can irritate the gum tissue, resulting in soreness, inflammation, and light bleeding. If using a flossing tool, the same basic techniques apply. Make sure to grip the tool firmly, gliding the portion of flossing string in between your teeth, creating a C-shape that removes food from the tooth and gum tissue.

Never reuse a piece of flossing string or a flosser tool because it may contain bacteria that can lead to infections and serious dental issues. Learning when and how to floss will help improve your smile's look and health. This guide will give you the tools needed to start flossing properly. For more information, contact a dentist like David D. Childress, DDS.

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25 April 2018