During the next month, we hope you get to enjoy time with your family and friends. Whether you are getting together Christmas, New Year, Hannukah, or any other celebration, we hope you are healthy.
That includes staying free from periodontal problems. To do that, you should be brushing and flossing every day.
We understand if flossing isn’t on your list of favorite things, but we do hope it is part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States, and flossing can greatly reduce your risk of developing this condition.
Of course, you also should get regular dental cleanings and exams at Advanced Dental Center if you live in or near Florence, SC, too. Just call (843) 588-1919 to make your next appointment with us.
Don’t let oral health issues spoil the holidays for you.
Care For Your Gums
If you don’t like flossing, you aren’t alone. A recent American Dental Association survey revealed that only 4 in 10 people floss daily (which is the ADA recommendation). The survey also noted that 1 in 5 people reported that they never floss.
In contrast, a vast majority of people do brush their teeth twice daily (as the ADA suggests), but will only floss occasionally if at all. If you are among the people who don’t floss as often as you should, you should be aware that brushing isn’t the best way to clean the spaces between your teeth or to clean between your teeth and gums.
Dental floss can get to those hard-to-reach places, but it’s not the only option that you have. Many people prefer flossers, which have short handles to make them more comfortable to use. Water picks are another popular alternative. When used correctly, they can be as effective as string floss.
Watch For The Symptoms
Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease. To understand the symptoms, you first should know that healthy gums feel firm and look pink. When they start to look swollen or red, you are likely developing an infection. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, that is a sign of trouble, too. At this stage, you may be able to reverse your condition by being more consistent about flossing daily.
The Centers for Disease Control has noted that nearly half of adults 30 years and older have some form of periodontitis. If you notice symptoms of this condition, you should seek professional help:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Receding gums
- Contact bad taste in your mouth or bad breath
- Pimple-like bumps on your gums
- Sore or tender gums
- Loose teeth
Don’t wait if you have one or more of these symptoms. We have treatments at our Florence, SC office to get your mouth back in good shape.
Floss For A Healthy Smile
At Advanced Dental Center, we want you to keep your smile for life! Flossing, brushing, and making regular visits to our office for family and general dental care makes that more likely. If you haven’t scheduled your next dental appointment yet, call (843) 588-1919 or contact us online today!