Why Should We Floss?

You just had your routine dental appointment and perhaps our doctor at Advantage Dentistry told you to floss more. But you didn’t listen and you went home and tossed the floss right in the junk drawer. Well, you better retrieve it because we are here to tell you why you should utilize this tool that fights against periodontal disease, tooth decay, and help you keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime.

Floss removes food particles that weren’t brushed away. These food particles feed on plaque and can turn into tartar if not removed. If you’re afraid to floss because your gums are bleeding this is the number one reason to floss more and not less. Gingivitis can be reversed by flossing at least twice a day for a week straight, but remember, you’ll need to keep up the routine to keep a healthy smile.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral hygiene and dental health, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Flossing with Bridges

At Advantage Dentistry, Dr. Seier has successfully carried out dental restorations for over thirty years. But in order to get the most out of their new teeth, patients need to know how to adjust their oral hygiene habits. Fortunately, caring for fixed bridges is easy once patients know what tools are available to them.

Flossing is an important part of keeping the area around a fixed bridge healthy. But with no gap between the prosthetic teeth, an alternative means of getting floss over or under the bridge is necessary. Some floss manufacturers make this easy by providing floss with stiffened tips, but regular floss can be looped around a bridge with an instrument called a threader. Similar to a big, floppy sewing needle, threaders are familiar tools to anyone who has ever worn braces.

Another hygienic tool used with both bridges and orthodontics is the proxy brush, also known as a Christmas tree brush. When bridges are supported by implants instead of by pontic teeth, there may be room to use a proxy brush to dislodge debris. Other specialized tips for use on implants can also be attached to toothbrush handles and water picks.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.