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The Essentials of Flossing

The Essentials of Flossing
Posted on 08/16/2018
We all know that having proper oral hygiene is extremely important. However, many of us tend to forget about the importance of flossing in our daily routines. Our orthodontist, Dr. Daniel M. Eves, DMD, MS, recommends that you floss at least once per day. You’d think that floss has been around for hundreds of years. However, flossing has only been around since 1891 when a dentist from New Orleans recommended running a waxed thread between each tooth using the motions we still teach to remove what brushes are unable to reach. This, he said, will remove the true sources of many oral diseases.


Health Risks From Poor Oral Health


 Many people tend to feel more refreshed after brushing than after flossing because of the strength of most toothpaste. Because of this, people may decide that if they must choose to either brush or floss, they would rather brush. We’re not saying that this should be the other way around--after all, the best way to avoid many common problems is to both brush and floss. Common oral problems that have been linked to poor oral care (including a lack of flossing) include gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath and an array of serious diseases. 


What You Should Do


The answer is simple--floss (and brush) every day! Dr. Eves can see during your visits if you’ve been taking care of your oral health. A simple way to remember is to always keep floss on you. If you spend most of your day in the same place, keep some floss there as well. If traditional floss is irritating to use, there are other options such as floss picks and wands. Some people tend to avoid flossing because when they do, their gums tend to bleed. This is very normal if your gums are not used to flossing, and will stop as your mouth adjusts and becomes healthier. 


Contact Us


 Flossing is an important part of your oral hygiene regimen. When combined with brushing, a healthy diet, and regular dental checkups, it can help to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile for a lifetime. If you would like to know more or have any questions about flossing or oral health, contact us or schedule an appointment at our Warwick or Jamestown, RI offices today! We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in one of our offices!