The surfaces between teeth are not easily accessible by toothbrush; therefore, the best way to clean them is by flossing. The ideal frequency for flossing is like brushing: ideally after each meal, though one time a day (before going to bed) is the minimum necessary.
* To start, cut a piece of dental floss (approximately 1 foot). Wrap both sides of the floss around your middle fingers. Using your index fingers or your thumbs, glide the floss in between all of your teeth one by one, under the gum. The goal is to clean the gums. In the space in between the teeth, press the floss against each side of the tooth (hug the tooth) and gently move it under the gum up and down. Then move to the opposite surface of the adjacent tooth, underneath the gum. This should not hurt. If your gums bleed a little, it is OK as you are removing the harmful bacteria that causes the bleeding. The next day your gums should not bleed in that area. You floss your teeth to clean your gums. You brush your teeth to clean your teeth. Please check out our flossing video to see the proper technique.
If you have any questions about flossing your teeth and you live near us or in the surrounding area, give us a call today!
As an Oral-systemic health practitioner, Dr. Dixon takes flossing very seriously. Bacteria that is harmful to the teeth, gums and body are constantly building up, threatening the oral and systemic health of the patient. This bacteria even builds up while you are sleeping. That is why, people have morning breath, or a sticky film (bacteria) that has to be brushed off every morning. This film(biofilm) also get under the gum. If it is not flossed out and allowed to build up, it can not only harm the teeth and gums by causing bone loss, it can also get in distant organs and wreak have on the body. Dental bacteria can be found in or affect Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzhemer’s and other demetias, and even some oral cancers and Pancreatic Cancers !
* To start, begin by cutting about a 1 foot piece of floss.
Thank you for choosing us to be your dental health care providers in the Inglewood, CA area. Following a good oral hygiene routine and receiving regular dental check ups are ways to keep your smile and healthy body.
TMJ