Flossing Properly to Prevent Gingivitis
By Regency Dental Group 2 min read
Gingivitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the gums. The primary cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of plaque and tartar around the base of the teeth. When plaque hardens, it turns into tartar, which usually remains along the base of a tooth. The bacteria present in plaque and tartar produce gases and toxins which irritate the gums and cause bad breath. The condition starts out as mild redness of the gums, so some people may already have gingivitis without being aware of it. Prompt treatment is necessary in order to prevent the condition from becoming any worse.
Oral Hygiene to Prevent Gingivitis
Proper and regular hygiene is important to prevent gingivitis. This includes brushing and flossing. However, it is not enough that you brush and floss on a regular basis. You also need to know how to floss property in order to ensure that you are removing all traces of food and other debris from between the teeth.
You can do this using 18" of floss, with each end wound around the middle fingers of each hand. Leave about 1-2" of floss in between your fingers which you use to floss between the teeth. Floss using a zigzag motion between the teeth. Curve the floss around the curved edges of the tooth, and gently move the floss over the gum line. Do this for each tooth, making sure to be extra gentle in sensitive areas which may already be inflamed to prevent bleeding. It is important to use a clean section of floss for each tooth until you use up all the floss that is wound in your hands.
Brushing and Mouth Rinsing
The two other important elements of oral hygiene aside from flossing are brushing and mouth rinsing using a good mouthwash. Brushing should be done regularly, in order to remove most of the debris around and on the teeth, followed by a good flossing. The final step would be rinsing with a good mouthwash. There are mouthwash brands formulated for sensitive gums, which are suitable for those who are already suffering from mild gingivitis.
Good oral hygiene is your primary defense against gingivitis and other oral diseases. Keep your mouth clean and free from tartar and plaque buildup by brushing and flossing on a regular basis. Knowing how to floss properly is also essential in order to remove all the plaque and tartar that are present on your teeth.
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This article was republished from a syndicated source and is provided for general education. It does not necessarily reflect the treatment philosophy of Regency Dental Group.
This article is general information, not dental or medical advice, and does not replace an examination. If you have a dental concern, call (707) 453-1776. For a medical emergency, call 911.
