Include This in your New Year’s Resolution: Flossing!
January 14, 2015
What if you knew of ONE THING that would:
- Guarantee fewer cavities throughout your lifetime
- Guarantee a drop in your risk of sore gums and gum diseases
- Guarantee a decrease in your risk of heart disease
- Guarantee a lowering of your risk of diabetes
- Guarantee you better breath odor
Would you be interested in knowing and taking advantage of it?
Flossing is that one thing that can do all this for you – and more. If you get into the regular, daily habit of flossing, you’ll be way ahead in preserving your oral health and your beautiful smile. Flossing is the only way to get between your teeth and remove the bacteria that turns into unsightly and troublesome plaque. Brushing your teeth scrubs the surface of your teeth. Flossing does the other half of the work – a vital element of your oral health regimen.
How Often?
A thorough session of flossing once daily is sufficient to protect and keep your mouth happy and healthy. Whatever time of day you have time to floss is the best time of day for flossing. Bedtime is a good choice for thoroughly cleaning your mouth by brushing and flossing. Add mouthwash at the conclusion of your cleaning for premium overnight protection.
Which Floss?
Experiment with a variety of floss until you discover the one that works best for you. Try thin, thread floss. Try flat, ribbon floss. Check out the waxed, and the floss that isn’t waxed. Hey, go for the minty-flavored floss, or the unflavored. And there are “utensils” for flossing, rather than using floss itself. Explore the options. When you find what you like, stick with it. Make daily flossing a New Year’s resolution that turns into a daily habit for the rest of your life.
How To Floss
Your dentist is happy to instruct you toward successful flossing, but here’s a general overview.
- Use about 18 inches of floss – generally the length of your arm.
- Slide it between the teeth, and gently follow the curves of your tooth.
- Pull the floss back and forth between your teeth.
- Move to a clean section of floss for each tooth.
- Floss behind the back teeth both upper and lower.
Flossing may be uncomfortable and awkward the first few times, but keep at it. You’re forming a healthy habit. Include washing your hands with soap and warm water when you’ve finished flossing.
Teach Your Children
Teach your children by example and instruction how important flossing is for their life-long oral health. Start early to protect them from cavities, gum infections, heart disease, diabetes – and expensive dental bills.
Flossing, along with a healthy diet, regular brushing, and annual visits to your dentist, will go a long way in improving your dental health and hygiene, and your overall well-being. Don’t just do a half-way job on your teeth – brush and floss for a healthy mouth and confident smile.
Patriot Family Dental in Clarksville, Tennessee provides both general and cosmetic dentistry. Call 931-645-2469 today for your appointment with a beautiful smile.
The post Include This in your New Year’s Resolution: Flossing! appeared first on Patriot Family Dental.
At Patriot Family Dental, we know your gums do more than support your teeth. The condition of your gums can give valuable insight into your overall health. Changes in your gum health may be early warning signs of issues affecting other parts of the body. Understanding what your gums tell you can help you take early actions to preserve your oral health and general well-being. Healthy Gums Signify Positive Oral Health Healthy gums should appear pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth. They should not bleed during brushing or flossing or feel tender or swollen. Healthy gums create a protective barrier that keeps harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream. However, when gum health begins to decline, your body may be signaling that something needs attention. Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Many people assume bleeding gums are normal, but they are often an early sign of gum disease. Gum disease begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gumline, causing inflammation and irritation. Common symptoms that may indicate a problem include: • Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing • Red, swollen, or tender gums • Persistent bad breath • Receding gums • Loose teeth • Increased tooth sensitivity • Pain when chewing If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental examination as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent more serious oral and systemic health concerns. The Link Between Gums & Overall Health Studies have proven strong relationships from oral issues to several chronic health conditions. Inflammation from periodontal disease may affect the body’s immune response and contribute to other health complications. Studies have linked gum disease to: • Heart disease • Diabetes • Stroke • Respiratory infections • Pregnancy complications Uncontrolled diabetes can make gum disease harder to manage, while severe gum disease may make blood sugar levels harder to control. This two-way relationship highlights the crucial role of maintaining healthy gums in integrated healthcare. What Receding Gums May Be Telling You Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth root. It can be caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, tobacco use, or teeth grinding. Receding gums may cause tooth sensitivity and increase the risk of decay below the gumline. Addressing the cause early helps preserve oral health and prevent further damage. Preventive Dental Care Makes a Difference One of the best ways to keep your gums healthy is regular preventive dental care. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. At Patriot Family Dental, we evaluate your gum health during routine visits. By spotting signs of inflammation, infection, or gum disease early, we help you sustain a healthier smile and reduce future risks. You can also support healthy gums at home by: • Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste • Flossing every day • Using an antimicrobial mouthwash • Eating a balanced diet • Avoiding tobacco products • Scheduling regular dental checkups Listen to Your Gums Your gums reveal important information about your oral and overall health. Paying attention to changes, including bleeding, swelling, or recession, helps catch likely concerns before they worsen. At Patriot Family Dental, we are committed to helping patients achieve healthier smiles via comprehensive, personalized dental care. Whether you are due for a regular cleaning or have concerns about your gum health, our experienced team is here to help. Schedule your next dental appointment today, then take an important step toward protecting your smile and your total wellness.
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At Patriot Family Dental, we know your gums do more than support your teeth. The condition of your gums can give valuable insight into your overall health. Changes in your gum health may be early warning signs of issues affecting other parts of the body. Understanding what your gums tell you can help you take early actions to preserve your oral health and general well-being. Healthy Gums Signify Positive Oral Health Healthy gums should appear pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth. They should not bleed during brushing or flossing or feel tender or swollen. Healthy gums create a protective barrier that keeps harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream. However, when gum health begins to decline, your body may be signaling that something needs attention. Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Many people assume bleeding gums are normal, but they are often an early sign of gum disease. Gum disease begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gumline, causing inflammation and irritation. Common symptoms that may indicate a problem include: • Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing • Red, swollen, or tender gums • Persistent bad breath • Receding gums • Loose teeth • Increased tooth sensitivity • Pain when chewing If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental examination as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent more serious oral and systemic health concerns. The Link Between Gums & Overall Health Studies have proven strong relationships from oral issues to several chronic health conditions. Inflammation from periodontal disease may affect the body’s immune response and contribute to other health complications. Studies have linked gum disease to: • Heart disease • Diabetes • Stroke • Respiratory infections • Pregnancy complications Uncontrolled diabetes can make gum disease harder to manage, while severe gum disease may make blood sugar levels harder to control. This two-way relationship highlights the crucial role of maintaining healthy gums in integrated healthcare. What Receding Gums May Be Telling You Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth root. It can be caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, tobacco use, or teeth grinding. Receding gums may cause tooth sensitivity and increase the risk of decay below the gumline. Addressing the cause early helps preserve oral health and prevent further damage. Preventive Dental Care Makes a Difference One of the best ways to keep your gums healthy is regular preventive dental care. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. At Patriot Family Dental, we evaluate your gum health during routine visits. By spotting signs of inflammation, infection, or gum disease early, we help you sustain a healthier smile and reduce future risks. You can also support healthy gums at home by: • Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste • Flossing every day • Using an antimicrobial mouthwash • Eating a balanced diet • Avoiding tobacco products • Scheduling regular dental checkups Listen to Your Gums Your gums reveal important information about your oral and overall health. Paying attention to changes, including bleeding, swelling, or recession, helps catch likely concerns before they worsen. At Patriot Family Dental, we are committed to helping patients achieve healthier smiles via comprehensive, personalized dental care. Whether you are due for a regular cleaning or have concerns about your gum health, our experienced team is here to help. Schedule your next dental appointment today, then take an important step toward protecting your smile and your total wellness.
At Patriot Family Dental, we believe your smile is connected to more than just your teeth. Your oral health plays an important role in your overall wellness...
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At Patriot Family Dental, we believe that a smile makeover is not just about creating a beautiful appearance—it’s about helping you feel happier and healthier.
At Patriot Family Dental we believe in offering cosmetic dentistry that’s appropriate for every age, so your smile looks its best and stays healthy.
Let’s explore the top five signs that indicate it’s time to schedule a dentist visit—and why brushing these symptoms aside could cost you more than your smile.