When plaque and residual food particles are not effectively removed by your daily oral hygiene routine, they can easily harden into tartar. Tartar is a hard substance with a high bacterial presence. This causes the inflammation and eventual infection in the gum tissues commonly known as gum disease.
The American Dental Association and our dentists recommend that you brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Flossing immediately after brushing is the most effective way to clean between teeth. Should hardened tartar form near the gum line, it could very easily cause the development of gum disease.
Gum disease starts out as gingivitis. Most people with gingivitis have gums that bleed easily when brushing and flossing, as well as issues with chronic bad breath. In many cases, the gums might also look red or inflamed. Improvements to your oral hygiene regimen and timely attendance to your regular dental checkup with Drs. Holmes and Holmes can usually reverse the effects of gingivitis.
Of course, flossing is more than simply moving the strand back and forth between your teeth. The ideal flossing technique 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 gum line. Make sure you also floss behind your back teeth.
Once you are done brushing and flossing your teeth, you can vigorously rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. While antiseptic mouthwash helps remove loosened food particles and kill bacteria, keep in mind that even the most potent antiseptic mouthwash cannot replace the ability of floss to clean between teeth and along the gum line.
If you have questions about gum disease in Fort Collins, Colorado, or you would like tips on how to improve your oral hygiene routine, call our office at 970-221-2499 to schedule an appointment with our dentists.
