Our state of the art facility equipped with the most advanced periodontal equipment available in USA including latest lasers & high precision microscopes. We work with top dental labs in NYC and use only highest quality dental components available on the market today.

Flossing a Waste of Time?

Here at Manhattan Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Midtown Manhattan we are pretty horrified by the idea that flossing could be a waste of time. The idea has been put forward by a leading dental expert in the UK who suggests this might be the case, but not because it is ineffective.

The reason they are suggesting this is because most people do not floss properly, if at all, and their argument is that by flossing incorrectly people could be doing their gums more harm than good. Most importantly, they also point out that by failing to floss correctly there is the risk that gums will be damaged or that the chances of developing gum disease will be increased.

If you don’t do not floss your teeth properly then you are at much greater risk of needing to see a good periodontist NYC such as Dr. Navid Rahmani for treatment for periodontal disease.

Why Flossing Your Teeth Is Important

There is no question that when you have the proper flossing technique then it is probably the most effective way to clean in between your teeth, but the problem is that flossing does require a high level of dexterity that many people simply don’t have. If someone flosses incorrectly there is a risk that instead of removing plaque and food debris, they could be pushing it down in between their teeth and into the gums, leaving this debris in the perfect position to create problems.

Another common mistake is using a piece of dental floss to saw in between the teeth as this can traumatize the gums and may even cause them to recede( Read more: gum recession). So what is the solution?

Correct Flossing Technique

One solution is to learn how to use dental floss correctly. Any hygienist will be able to demonstrate the correct technique and can provide guidance on learning how to floss properly. Sometimes using a different dental floss will make things easier. There is a bit of a knack to flossing which is why a practical demonstration can be so useful.

Alternatives to Flossing in NYC

If you know you cannot get on with flossing or have limited dexterity, then there are alternatives as you can use interdental brushes or air or water flossers. Interdental brushes are tiny toothbrushes that fit in between your teeth and these can be very easy to use and they also provide stimulation for your gums which will help keep the gum tissue strong and healthy. They come in a variety of sizes and you may need to use more than one size to reach in between all the teeth in your mouth.

Another alternative is to use water or air flossers that work by forcing water or air in between your teeth and these can be very effective. These are a more expensive option than interdental brushes but should last for a very long time.

What Happens if You Don’t Floss?

If you don’t do anything then you are at much greater risk of needing to see a good periodontist such as Dr. Navid Rahmani of New York periodontal clinic for treatment for periodontal disease.

Gum disease is most often caused by poor oral hygiene and it can be incredibly destructive. Ultimately you could lose teeth and you will put your general health at risk. You could end up spending hours in the dental chair and treatment may need to be ongoing. It is far simpler to find some method of cleaning in between your teeth that you know you can commit to using.

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What Causes Gingivitis?

The most common reason for developing gingivitis is poor dental hygiene. If you haven’t been quite as vigilant as you should have about twice daily brushing and once-a-day flossing then you are far more likely to need gingivitis treatment. Failing to clean your teeth thoroughly will allow plaque to build up on your teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria that cause gingivitis and it can soon harden into calculus, which is a very hard substance that can only be removed by having your teeth professionally cleaned. It takes just a couple of days for plaque to harden into calculus and this can also happen if you regularly clean your teeth but are missing out certain areas of your mouth. The longer plaque and calculus are able to remain on your teeth, the greater the risk of infection and irritation in your gums. As well as poor oral hygiene habits, there are a number of other risk factors associated with gingivitis.

Who Is More at Risk of Developing Gingivitis?

You are more likely to need gingivitis treatment if you smoke, are older or have a disease that affects your immunity, for example HIV/AIDS or leukemia. Diabetics are more likely to develop gingivitis and aging can increase your risk (Read also: Diabetes and Gum Health). Women are more at risk of developing gingivitis at certain times due to hormonal changes. Wearing a poorly fitting dental appliance that traps plaque can increase your chances of developing gingivitis, as can taking certain medications that may cause dry mouth, a condition where you can’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth comfortable. The good news is, your gum disease has been caught early enough to be completely cured.

Gingivitis Treatment in New York

Your first step is to visit a good periodontist and you can phone up and make an appointment without requiring a referral from your dentist. You will find Dr. Navid Rahmani is an extremely gentle and thorough periodontist and he will be able to examine your gums to discover the extent of the infection. The next step will be to plan gingivitis treatment which is normally to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. If the infection is very mild he might suggest a regular scale and clean, but quite often gums will benefit from being deep cleaned, a treatment that will remove more bacteria and which is able to treat any tooth root surfaces that may have become exposed through gum recession. By following his aftercare instructions very carefully, you can ensure the disease will be completely eradicated.

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