By Eric V. Thomas, DMD
As I’m sure you’ve been told many times before, flossing is an important oral hygiene practice. When plaque builds up on your teeth and gums, cavities and gum disease can arise. Cleaning between teeth removes plaque from areas where a toothbrush can’t reach, avoiding these oral issues.
Protecting your mouth from cavities and gum disease isn’t all flossing is good for. Did you know that flossing can actually protect you from germs and infection beyond the gum line? If excess bacteria accumulate on the teeth and gums, it can quickly travel through your throat to other parts of your body.
There are numerous kinds of floss from which to choose in order to meet your flossing needs. While unwaxed floss is the best for closely spaced teeth, waxed floss is more resistant to breaking but more difficult to use in tight spaces. For cleaning between teeth that are loosely spaced, dental tape (waxed or unwaxed) is a good choice because it is broader and flatter than traditional floss. Yarn-like “super floss” is stiff enough to be threaded through implants, bridges and other dental restorations. If you have difficulty holding floss and/or fitting your fingers into your mouth, try using the Y-shaped plastic tool known as a floss holder, which holds a length of floss between two prongs.
Keep your smile healthy with daily flossing and regular visits to the dentist! For more information and to make an appointment, call Sunshine Dentistry at (609) 465-5415 or visit www.mysunshinedentistry.com.
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