Written by: TFVstaff • November 7, 2017• Dental Health

Give Thanks for Good Oral Health!

It’s November…and time to give thanks for good oral health! It’s no coincidence that November 24, the day after Thanksgiving, is National Flossing Day! What better time is there to pay homage to everyone’s favorite piece of string than the day after the biggest food holiday of the year?! Hence, let’s take a moment to express our gratitude. Flossing is an important part of good dental care because it helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, it often gets overlooked because it takes a bit more time and effort than brushing. But that little extra effort can save you a lot of time, discomfort and expense involved in treating dental issues that could have been prevented by flossing.

Regular flossing cannot be ignored because it makes a huge difference in one’s dental health. Flossing cleans the areas that the toothbrush can’t reach to remove the food and bacteria that lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. With regular flossing, we keep our teeth and gums as clean as possible.

Flossing is particularly important during orthodontic treatment when food and plaque accumulate more readily between teeth. Gum disease caused by specific bacteria can also occur more easily during orthodontic tooth movement, so daily flossing to remove these bugs from the gums is essential.

At Pinecrest Orthodontics we advise flossing twice a day, but you need to floss correctly to get the full benefits. Start with about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap it between your fingers to make a taut strand. Gently slide the floss around each tooth, guiding it slightly below the gumline and then moving it up and down between the teeth to remove any particles and plaque. Be sure to use a fresh section of floss for each tooth. Aids such as floss threaders are necessary when braces are present to guide floss underneath orthodontic wires.
Flossers are a good option for those with limited dexterity who find regular floss hard to handle, such as young children or those with arthritis. Flossers are disposable flossing tools that have a short strand of floss already stretched out and ready for use. Their small handle makes it easy to slide the floss between teeth and reach into tight crevices.

As your dentist has probably told you, flossing is an essential part of a good dental care regimen. It reaches and cleans where your toothbrush cannot, helping to protect you from dental problems. In honor of National Flossing Day this year, start flossing on a regular basis and celebrate the healthy results!

Aside from floss, we have many reasons at Pinecrest Orthodontics to give thanks this year during the Thanksgiving season. We are most grateful for our wonderful patients who have entrusted us with their orthodontic care. We are privileged and thankful for the opportunity to improve the smiles of those in our community. From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday!

Pinecrest Orthodontics is located in the Dixie Belle Shops at 12197 S. Dixie Highway in Pinecrest, FL. PH: 305.423.4130 www.pinecrestortho.com.

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