3 Reason why using a Water Flossing is better than not flossing at all

When the word “floss,” comes out of a dental professionals mouth, they may get a variety of responses. Some patients lie, "Of course, course I floss once a day.” Other’s laugh uncomfortably and look away. While others smile, nod like they are die-hard flossers because they flossed that morning before their appointment. Despite a deep desire to have great oral hygiene, The American Periodontal Association has found 27% of Americans lie about flossing. But there is an alternative to lying. There is an alternative to string. 
 Dr. Rice says, “A water flosser can provide a better alternative than not flossing at all.” The flow of water is designed to rinse food away from the gum line and in between teeth. Utilizing the water flosser before brushing can remove plaque and food that causes periodontal disease. 
Water flossers provide an option for patients who have teeth that are close together. When patients have teeth that are tight together or rotated out of alignment, it can be difficult to get the floss between teeth. You may find you push too hard to get the floss between and this in turn damages the gums. Periodontist, Dr. Denine Rice, suggests, “Use a water flosser for those hard to reach areas to avoid breaking floss.” 
Water flossers do not damage the gums. Not flossing can cause the plaque to buildup below the gum line that can lead to loose or missing teeth. You may find that your gums may be swollen, bleed or recede from the teeth. Water flossers are gentle on the gums while removing food left over from lunch. 
Flossing is critical to the health of your gums & ensures you get to keep all of your teeth for a lifetime. And a water flosser can be a healthy and positive alternative to not flossing at all.  

For more questions or concerns contact Dr. Denine Rice & her team today.

3 Ways To Stop The Excuses & Floss

Periodontists hear all kinds of reasons why individuals do not floss. While cosmetic surgery can fix some of the problems you may have encountered from periodontal disease, you’ll still want to floss in order to protect your new smile. Here are some tips that can help.

1.     Find floss you like. You can enjoy a water pic, electric flosser, and waxed or unwaxed floss. The type of floss you use does not matter to your gums, it is just important that you are engaging in a routine flossing protocol on a daily basis. If your teeth are tight and you tend to break floss while flossing, try to use waxed floss. This can help slide it between the teeth better.

2.     Dr. Rice also recommends you floss every day at the same time. This helps to produce a routine. It takes twenty-one days to establish a habit. The more routine you can make it, the easier it is to have it become a part of your regular day.

3.     Floss even though your gums bleed. It can take awhile before you are able to heal your gums. Continue flossing for seven to ten days. "If they are still bleeding after that you may need to go to the periodontist or your regular dentist in order for them to clean up any bacteria below the gum line," suggests Dr. Denine Rice.

Flossing is as critical as brushing and visiting the dentist. Without regular flossing you can cause permanent tooth loss.