{"id":677,"date":"2021-10-04T21:54:07","date_gmt":"2021-10-04T21:54:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.washingtondentalnj.com\/blog\/?p=677"},"modified":"2021-10-04T21:54:07","modified_gmt":"2021-10-04T21:54:07","slug":"dont-forget-the-floss-how-can-flossing-save-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.washingtondentalnj.com\/blog\/2021\/10\/04\/dont-forget-the-floss-how-can-flossing-save-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t forget the Floss: How can flossing save your life!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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October is National Hygiene month, so it is fitting we talk about flossing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brushing and flossing are equally important to ensure your oral health and to protect your general health. Most people are pretty good about daily brushing…but flossing…well, that<\/em>\u2019s another story. First get the facts. Then, get your floss ! <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Failing to floss can lead to a dental domino effect: <\/em><\/strong>plaque build-up, gingivitis, periodontitis, teeth falling out, premature aging and, eventually, seriously compromised health and longevity ! <\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flossing is absolutely essential to remove plaque, <\/strong>a sticky substance that forms on the teeth, accumulates and hardens over time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flossing helps clean teeth in the areas that are impossible to reach by brushing alone\u2014<\/strong>between the teeth and under your gum line.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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It only takes 24 hours for enough oral bacteria to form in the mouth to start causing gum disease. <\/strong>That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to floss daily !<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, you should floss after every meal. <\/strong>But even flossing once a day\u2014before or after brushing<\/em>\u2014can reduce the risk of gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flossing works best when you do it right<\/strong>. We\u2019ll demonstrate the proper technique for you. You\u2019ll want to wrap the floss around the tooth and use a back-and-forth\/up-and- down motion.  When you come in for your hygiene appointment, we can demonstrate this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bleeding gums is not a signal to stop flossing ! <\/strong>On the contrary, it means you have gum disease and need to floss more\u2014perhaps a little gentler until the tissue heals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best type of floss is the one you<\/strong>\u2019re going to use ! <\/strong>You can choose between waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored, and regular or tape types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you have large hands, limited dexterity or arthritis that makes flossing difficult, consider dental floss holders or intra- dental cleaners. Ask us for the best ones, or we can even give you a sample next time we see you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don<\/strong>\u2019t get hung up on the details. <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t matter whether you floss before or after you brush. Just do it! You\u2019ll be glad you did!! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So Here<\/strong>\u2019s Our <\/strong>\u201cFlossophy\u201d.<\/strong>..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spending pennies a day and a couple of minutes to floss your teeth is a small price to pay for saving your smile and enhancing your health!v<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give Us a Call Today!<\/p>\n\n