Flossing is a critically important, yet frequently overlooked step in a patient’s daily dental hygiene routine. Our Tinley Park dentist office has tips to help patients get the most out of their daily dental hygiene routines. You’re probably already brushing at least twice a day, but are you taking the time to floss like you should?
Flossing is the most effective way to clean plaque from between your teeth at home. For the most part, brushing takes care of the plaque that has built up on the flat surfaces of your teeth. However, the crevices between your teeth are more difficult to clean—that’s where floss comes in.
We recommend flossing at least once a day; try to make flossing a part of your bedtime dental routine. When you floss, follow these simple tips:
1. When you start to floss, cut off one long string of fresh floss. As you move from tooth to tooth, use a fresh portion of your floss strip.
2. Move the floss up and down and side to side between your teeth.
3. After flossing, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth to clear out as much plaque as possible.
Remember that plaque is always building up in your mouth. Regular flossing is necessary to keep plaque to a minimum, and to prevent cavities and gum disease.
You can always call our Orland Park dentists to learn more about daily dental hygiene routines. And make sure to contact a dentist for treatment if you notice any of these signs of gum disease:
· Bleeding gum tissue
· Red or swollen gums
· Hard-to-treat bad breath
· Loose or shifting teeth
If you’re ready to schedule your consultation with our dental team, we can be reached by phone or online here. Your dream smile is closer than you think!