Words of Wisdom No.8: “Practice Flossing with Your Eyes Shut“

flossing

Braces are an orthodontic treatment that can greatly improve the appearance of the teeth. However, if you don’t take care of the teeth while the braces are worn, then there won’t be as much of an improvement as desired. Invisalign is an option for those who want to be able to eat the foods that they enjoy while still getting the straight teeth as a result of the orthodontic treatment. One of the things that is essential when caring for the teeth is flossing.

All About Flossing

While you are flossing the teeth, consider doing so with your eyes closed. This will force your hand to examine the teeth and gums while you are using the floss. It can help to get the string around each tooth instead of looking in a mirror while flossing only the areas that you can see. The orthodontist can show you how to floss in this manner so that you get the best results. Invisalign makes this a little easier as you can remove the tray from the mouth while cleaning the teeth.

There are a few benefits of flossing the teeth that your orthodontist might not tell you about. One of the reasons to floss your teeth is to keep your teeth in your mouth. This might seem like something that couldn’t happen, but if you don’t floss between the teeth, there is bacteria that can build. This can create tartar. It can soon lead to gingivitis, which can cause loose teeth if it’s not taken care of as soon as possible. When you floss, you remove the bacteria that is between the teeth. Live bacteria can get into the bloodstream through the gums. This bacteria can lead to heart disease and other conditions that could easily be avoided if you floss on a regular basis.

To learn more about how to properly care for your teeth, Invisalign or braces, contact an orthodontist at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics in Larkspur to schedule an appointment!