At Khanna Dentistry PC of Geneva, we understand that keeping your gums healthy is essential for maintaining a beautiful smile and avoiding serious oral health problems. One of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease is surprisingly simple it only takes a minute a day!
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease can develop without any noticeable symptoms at first, but some signs to look out for include:
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Painful or bleeding gums
If left untreated, gum disease can cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums. The good news is that preventing periodontal disease is easy with daily care, and it starts with flossing.
Flossing: Your One-Minute Defense Against Gum Disease
One of the best ways to prevent gum disease is by using dental floss to remove plaque and bacteria between your teeth. While brushing twice a day for two minutes is important, flossing daily is crucial for cleaning the areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Food particles, sugars, and acids from drinks often get trapped in the small spaces between your teeth, and flossing helps to remove these harmful substances.
Surprising Flossing Facts
Did you know that only 40% of Americans floss daily, according to the American Dental Association? Regular flossing is directly linked to better oral health, yet many people skip this simple step. In fact, 27% of adults admit to lying about how often they floss, according to a study by the American Academy of Periodontology. But there’s no need to feel embarrassed it’s never too late to start!
How to Floss Properly
Flossing might seem simple, but there’s a right way to do it for maximum effectiveness:
- Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most of it around your middle fingers.
- Leave one inch of floss to work with for cleaning between each set of teeth.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth using your thumbs and index fingers.
- Be careful when reaching the gumline to avoid cutting or irritating your gums.
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth, working through all 18 inches.
Flossing your teeth only takes about one minute a day. For such a small amount of time, the benefits preventing gum disease and keeping your smile healthy are well worth it.
For more tips on maintaining healthy gums, proper flossing techniques, or to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Geneva, contact the team at Khanna Dentistry PC today. We’re here to help you achieve optimal oral health!