Periodontal disease is a problem plaguing millions of Americans each year. In fact, the American Dental Association estimates that nearly half of the population over the age of 30 has some form of periodontal disease. The inflammation and eventual infection is more commonly known as gum disease.
The ADA recommends that you brush and floss your teeth twice a day as part of a diligent oral hygiene routine. Flossing immediately after brushing is the most effective way to clean between teeth. It’s worth noting that an effective flossing technique is more than simply moving the strand back and forth between your teeth.
A truly effective flossing technique starts with wrapping the excess floss around your middle fingers. Then firmly grip a small section of floss between your thumb and index fingers. Work the floss around your teeth in a C shape and gently clear the space between the teeth and your gum line. Make sure you also floss behind your back teeth.
After you are done brushing and flossing, you can vigorously rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. This will help to remove any loosened food particles lingering in your mouth while also killing some of the bacteria. Remember that even the most potent antiseptic mouthwash cannot replace the ability of floss to remove residual food particles and plaque from between the teeth and gum line.
If you are concerned about your flossing technique or you have questions about periodontal disease, you can call Brownsburg Family Dental Care Brownsburg, Indiana, at 317-852-4593 for a thorough checkup with Dr. Todd Eder.