Wilmington Cosmetic Dentist | One Tool for Better Gum Health

Wilmington Cosmetic Dentist | One Tool for Better Gum Health

Dentist in Wilmington, NC

Posted on

Dentist Wilmington NC

Dentist 28401

Loose teeth, bad breath, and painful, bloody gums – these are among the signs and symptoms of periodontal, or gum, disease. Unfortunately, periodontal disease can also begin without any obvious symptoms. If left undiagnosed or untreated, you could be at risk for irreparable damage to your teeth and gums. The good news is that periodontal disease is preventable. In fact, one of the most effective tools for preventing the disease only takes a minute of your time each day.

Floss to the Rescue

Dental floss is an effective and easy to use tool that can be among your best defenses for preventing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Even if your daily oral hygiene routine already includes a thorough brushing that lasts for two minutes, at least twice each day, you should be flossing daily as well. Dental floss is highly effective at cleaning areas where your toothbrush cannot reach. Small gaps and tight spaces between teeth catch food debris and sugars and acids from drinks all day long. Flossing helps to clean out these tough to reach spaces.

Facts Behind Flossing

According to a survey referenced by the American Dental Association, only 40% of Americans floss each day. The same study showed a clear link between regular intra-oral care and better oral health. Unfortunately, many people also lie about how frequently they clean between their teeth. A study from the American Academy of Periodontology found that 27% of adults lie to their dentist about their flossing habits.

Tips for Flossing Correctly

It can be confusing to figure out the best way to use dental floss. Try cutting off about 18 inches of floss and wrapping most of it carefully around your middle finger. Use roughly one inch to clean between each pair of teeth. Using your thumb and index finger, carefully slide the floss between your teeth. Floss to your gum line but be gentle. Avoid cutting your gums. Work your way through your 18 inches of floss by using a new, clean section between each pair of adjacent teeth.

It only takes about a minute to floss your teeth each day, but these minutes contribute to a lifetime of optimal oral health. Floss is among the most effective tools at your disposal to keep your gums clean and healthy. Get into the habit of flossing your teeth regularly – your gums will thank you.

For more information about gum health, or to schedule a visit with our Wilmington dentist, please contact Long Dental.

Long Dental
Phone: (910) 762-0355
Url: https://longdentalofwilmington.com/
736 Medical Center Drive, Suite #100
Wilmington, NC 28401

Visit Our Wilmington Dental Office

Wilmington, NC Dentist

Our Address:
736 Medical Center Drive Ste 101
Wilmington, NC 28401

Phone: (910) 762-0355

Office Hours
Monday: 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 2:00PM


Read Our Wilmington Dental News

Dentist in Wilmington, NC

Are Your Drinks Attacking Your Teeth? | Dentist...

September 15th 2023

If carbonated soft drinks are part of your normal daily routine, you may be causing serious da...

Read More

6 Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay in Children |...

September 1st 2023

Oral health is important at every stage in life. Just because your children are going to lose ...

Read More

Periodontal Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis | ...

August 15th 2023

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are a systemic inflamma...

Read More