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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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