The indications and symptoms of periodontal, or gum, disease include loose teeth, foul breath, and painful, bloody gums. Sadly, periodontal disease can sometimes start out without any overt symptoms. You run the danger of doing irreparable harm to your teeth and gums if an illness is not properly detected or treated.
The good news is that gum disease can be avoided. One of the best methods for stopping the disease actually only requires a minute of your time each day.
Floss to the Rescue
One of your strongest lines of defense against periodontal disease can be dental floss, a simple and efficient item. Plaque and bacterial growth are the main contributors to periodontal disease. Even if your daily oral hygiene regimen currently entails brushing thoroughly for two minutes, at least twice daily, you still need to floss. When cleaning spaces that your toothbrush can’t access, dental floss is quite effective. All day long, food particles, carbohydrates, and acids from liquids are caught in the tiny gaps and confined areas between teeth. Cleaning out these difficult-to-reach places with floss is helpful.
Facts Behind Flossing
Only 40% of Americans, according to a study cited by the American Dental Association, floss daily. The same study demonstrated a definite connection between routine intra-oral care and improved oral health. Unfortunately, a lot of people exaggerate how frequently they brush their teeth in between. According to a survey by the American Academy of Periodontology, 27% of adults lie to their dentist about how often they floss.
Tips for Flossing Correctly
Determining the ideal dental floss usage might be difficult. Try taking a piece of floss that is about 18 inches long and carefully winding it around your middle finger. To clean in between each pair of teeth, use about an inch. Slide the floss slowly in between your teeth using your thumb and index finger. Be delicate as you gently floss to the gumline. Do not cut your gums. Utilize a fresh, clean section of floss between each set of adjacent teeth as you use up the entire 18 inches of floss.
For a lifetime of excellent dental health, flossing your teeth each day just needs to take a minute or so. One of the best tools you have at your disposal to maintain healthy and clean gums is floss. Get into the habit of frequently flossing your teeth; your gums will appreciate it.