Gum disease is a serious oral health condition with several ramifications to your oral health and overall quality of life. It is especially concerning as the American Dental Association estimates that nearly half of the American population over the age of 30 has some form of gum disease. This is especially unfortunate when you consider how easily preventable it can be.
Your daily oral hygiene routine is your first line of defense for the prevention of gum disease. Brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing before bed each evening will remove the majority of plaque and residual food matter from your teeth and gumline.
Inconsistencies in your daily oral hygiene routine can allow these substances to harden into tartar. One area that many people struggle with is executing a truly effective flossing technique.
This starts by wrapping 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 gumline.
Be sure to also floss behind your back teeth. This area is often forgotten about but it can harbor a significant amount of plaque and residual food particles.
If you are concerned about gum disease or the effectiveness of your flossing technique in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you can always call Prairie Dental Center at (605) 335-8640 to schedule a checkup with Dr. Justin Nichols.