Gum Health

Why Flossing is Important in Thomaston NY: Gum Health

Health

While brushing your teeth is important, flossing is frequently the unsung hero of oral hygiene. For Thomaston, New York residents, knowing the significance of flossing can help prevent gum disease and maintain a lifetime of healthy smiles. Gum health is crucial to maintaining a healthy smile and general well-being, explains a dentist in Thomaston, NY.

Gums and what they do for our oral health

Your gums are the foundation for your teeth, supporting and protecting them. Healthy gums are firm and pink and don’t swell or bleed. When gums start to become compromised, problems can arise such as:

  • Gingivitis: A cause of gingivitis, the inflammation and bleeding of the gums, and the early stage of gum disease.
  • Periodontitis: A more serious gum disease that may cause tooth loss and jawbone deterioration.
  • Systemic Health Problems: Gum disease has been associated with heart disease, diabetes4, and other long-term conditions.

Why Flossing Matters

Flossing gets plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gumline, areas your toothbrush can’t access. Here’s why it’s an important step in your oral hygiene routine:

  • Prevents Gum Disease: The leading cause of gum disease is plaque buildup along the gumline. Flossing every day makes this buildup less likely, decreasing your chance of developing gingivitis and periodontitis.
  • Reduces Cavities: Bacteria in plaque consume sugars and excrete acids that topple enamel and lead to cavities. Flossing removes these bacteria, especially in difficult-to-reach places.
  • Improves Overall Health: Inflamed gums can allow bacteria living in the mouth to enter the bloodstream and contribute to health problems throughout the body. Flossing regularly leads to healthier gums, reducing the risk of these complications.
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How to Floss Properly

The proper ways to do it among others to remove plaque and protect the gums:

  • Use About 18 Inches of Floss: Use your dominant hand to wrap most of the floss around one finger, and the rest around a finger on your opposite hand.
  • Slide the Floss Between Your Teeth gently: Don’t snap it into place, or you could injure the gums.
  • Form the Floss into a C-shape: Wound the floss around the base of each tooth and gently slide it up and down.
  • Working on a Clean Surface for Each Tooth: Slide the floss between teeth but reposition it from tooth to tooth to avoid passing bacteria from one mouth space to the next.

What Products Could You Use Instead of Traditional Floss?

And for those who have a hard time using traditional dental floss, there are alternatives:

  • Water Flossers: These devices use a stream of pressurized water to clean between teeth and along the gumline.
  • Floss Picks: Pre-threaded floss on a plastic handle, great for convenience.
  • Interdental Brushes: Small brushes designed to fit between the teeth.

Myths About Flossing, Busted

“If my gums bleed, I shouldn’t floss.”

Most of the time, bleeding gums indicate gum inflammation from plaque accumulation. Bleeding can decrease over time with routine flossing.

“Flossing is unnecessary when I brush well.”

Brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth but doesn’t clean in between teeth or under the gumline — where flossing is essential.

“Flossing is too time-consuming.”

Flossing becomes quick and transforms oral hygiene with dedicated attention and also practice.

Gum Health Resources in Thomaston, NY

Good gum health begins with great oral care, available to Thomaston, NY, residents. Dental clinics and dentists in your immediate locality provide preventive procedures like prophylaxis cleaning, periodontal diagnostic tests, and tips for effective flossing to keep your teeth intact.

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Flossing is a basic but potent tool for maintaining healthy gums and preventing serious dental and systemic health conditions. As a part of Thomaston, NY, you know that brushing and flossing is an investment for a healthy, long life! If you have questions about flossing or just need to schedule a dental check-up, contact a trusted Thomaston dental professional today!

Invest these little efforts now to prevent complicated treatments in the future so that your bright and healthy smile keeps on shining for the years to come.


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