The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that all children and adults floss their teeth once per day. The process is easy and inexpensive, with no risk of harm, and can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Yet, many people know very little about this easy way to improve oral hygiene. Here is a complete guide to flossing teeth.
Benefits of Flossing
Removing Food Debris and Bacteria: Food debris and bacteria can easily penetrate the spaces between and around the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Flossing removes these items before they can cause harm.
Protecting the Gums: Flossing also removes bacteria and food debris from the gum line. Gum disease starts with mild irritation known as gingivitis, but it can slowly lead to tooth loss. Flossing can stop or even reverse early gum disease.
Saving Money: Besides brushing, flossing is the least expensive form of dental care. Why gamble on pricey treatments down the line, when you can invest a few cents and a few minutes per day to keep your mouth healthy?
Improving Health: Flossing can dramatically boost your oral health, and it can help to prevent the dangerous systemic illnesses that can result from tooth decay.
Cosmetic Improvements: No one wants to be seen with stained teeth or food stuck between their teeth. Flossing helps ensure that your beautiful smile is the best it can be.
Flossing Devices
“Flossing” refers to interdental cleaning, or cleaning between the teeth. Most people are familiar with dental floss, made from strands of filament and possibly waxed and flavored. Other options include wooden or plastic interdental cleaning tools, as well as the Waterpik, which uses a jet of water. Your dentist can help you choose the device that best meets your needs.
Proper Use of Dental Floss
The other interdental cleaning devices are used in slightly different ways, but dental floss is one of the most common yet most confusing ways of cleaning around the teeth. Here is how to properly use dental floss:
- Pull out approximately 18 inches of floss. Wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving a one to two-inch gap between them.
- Use your thumbs and index fingers to hold the floss taut.
- Place the floss between two adjacent teeth, and firmly but gently slide it up and down.
- Gently slide the floss to the base of one tooth in the pair, carefully working it beneath the gumline. Then repeat for the other tooth.
- Move to a clean area of the floss and repeat the process between and then at the base of the next two teeth. Continuing moving around your mouth until all teeth have been flossed.
Flossing is a simple and effective way to boost your oral hygiene, but many people are unaware of how to do it. Follow the above tips, and never hesitate to ask your dentist or hygienist for additional instructions or even a demonstration.
Ready to Get Started?
If you would like to learn more or start your journey to dental health, please contact Dental Associates, LLP, at 860-677-8666 to schedule an appointment.
As you age, your body changes. You may feel more tired, have more grey hair, or not be able to eat all of your favorite foods because of medications you take or dietary restrictions. While you may not be able to prevent all of these signs of aging, you can take steps to protect your teeth as you get older. This can help you to keep all of your natural teeth, avoid dentures, reduce your risk of periodontal disease, and encourage a youthful smile. Here are some of the ways you can protect your teeth as you age.
Avoid Tobacco
Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco are bad for your health. Not only do these habits make you more susceptible to lung cancer, oral cancer, and chronic health conditions, tobacco products stain your teeth yellow. They can also create dry mouth, which makes tooth decay more likely. Some people think that vaping is a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes. However, there is not enough scientific research available that supports this idea. Early research suggests that some of the ingredients used in vaping are carcinogenic or cancer causing.
Limit Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, chewing on ice, and gnawing on pencils are all ways to wear down your teeth faster than normal. Once you’ve worn down your teeth, the enamel cannot be replaced. You could end up with shorter teeth that look older than your true age. If you simply like to chew ice, try to nix the habit. If you feel compelled to chew ice, be sure that there isn’t an underlying health cause, such as iron deficiency. Talk to your dentist about ways to reduce teeth grinding, such as wearing a nightguard.
Take Care of Issues Early
The sooner you take care of a dental health issue, such as a cavity or an infection, the better. Otherwise, small issues can turn into much bigger problem that requires more expensive and invasive procedures to correct. In the case of a cavity, you’ll be better off having it filled than eventually needing a root canal or dental implant. If a small infection turns into an abscess, you’ll have a lot of gum pain. Even addressing periodontal disease early can ward off tooth loss.
Find a Trustworthy Dentist
One of the most effective ways to protect your teeth as you age is to find a dentist that you can trust. By going to the same dental provider over the years, they will be able to document the condition of your teeth and help you keep your teeth healthy as you age. They will also remind you to schedule regular dental cleanings.
Making an appointment with your dentist can help protect your teeth as you get older. It’s also just a smart idea for better oral health, no matter your age. If you’d like to schedule a dentist appointment with a trustworthy dental provider, contact Dental Associates, LLP, at (860) 677-8666 to speak with a member of our team.
Many older adults overlook their own dental care, as there is a pervasive myth that dental health concerns primarily affect children and young adults. Yet older adults are actually at an increased risk for certain dental issues due to physical limitations, medication side effects, and other factors. If you are an older adult or are taking care of one, be on the lookout for these 4 common dental problems.
Tooth Decay
Many older adults do not visit the dentist as often as they did when they were younger, which means that small cavities could develop into serious issues. They also have decades of fillings, root canals, and other dental treatments, any of which could eventually fail. Therefore, older adults are at a higher risk for tooth decay. The easiest way to prevent this, or to catch it while it is easy to treat, is to see the dentist twice per year.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is infection in the gums and soft tissues around the teeth. Early stage gum disease may have few if any symptoms, making it difficult to notice at home. As it progresses, gum disease can lead to bleeding, pain, and swelling. It can eventually result in tooth loss, and it even raises the risk of a system wide infection. Regular professional checkups are the key to catching gum disease while it can still be reversed.
Tooth decay and gum disease risks in older adults are due in part to a worsening ability to perform proper oral hygiene routines. Loss of dexterity, fatigue, pain in the hand or arm, and other symptoms are more common in older adults, and they can make it difficult or impossible to properly brush and floss. Your dentist can make suggestions on ways to adapt, such as using an electric toothbrush.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, affects roughly 20 percent of adults over age 65. It is a common side effect of numerous medications, from diuretics to antidepressants to blood pressure pills. Many adults take multiple medications, potentially worsening the issue. To some extent, you can combat dry mouth by increasing your water intake and limiting alcohol and caffeine. However, it is also important to bring up the issue with your dentist for additional advice.
Eating Difficulties
Missing teeth, poorly-fitted dentures, and other oral health issues can lead older adults to significantly change their diets. A varied diet is vital to good physical health, so eating difficulties should be addressed right away. Fortunately, this common problem is generally easy to treat.
Older adults have unique risk factors for oral health problems. If you are an older adult or are caring for one, it is important to schedule checkups twice a year and keep an eye out for any signs of issues. Older adults typically make fewer dentist visits than younger people, but this should never be the case.
Ready to Get Started?
If you would like to learn more or start treatment, please contact Dental Associates, LLP, at 860-677-8666 to schedule an appointment.