Do I Really Need to Floss?

You are probably like most people – you brush your teeth twice a day and may, on occasion, use mouth wash as an extra rinse. But like most people, you probably don’t floss as much as you should. 

Although brushing your teeth twice a day is recommended, by omitting flossing, you aren’t cleaning your teeth as well as you could.

So What Does Flossing Really Do?

Whereas brushing works to clean the surfaces of teeth, flossing is able to reach the spaces in between teeth that a toothbrush can’t clean. Mouthwash is capable of killing some plaque-forming bacteria, but it still cannot reach the spaces in between teeth.

By flossing once a day, you are ridding your teeth of plaque, which will form into tartar if left untreated. Tartar emerges when plaque hardens onto the teeth, and it can only be removed by a dentist. The longer tartar remains on the teeth, the more likely you are to contract gum disease. 

Flossing helps improve oral health by removing plaque from those hard-to-reach areas of the teeth and can prevent tartar and gum disease in the long run.

So How Do I Floss?

To floss correctly, first choose a dental floss that suits your needs. Unravel approximately 18 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your forefinger – holding it in place with your thumb. Gently wedge the floss in between each tooth, making a “C” motion as your clean each tooth – make sure to floss your back molars. Use a clean piece of dental floss as your current piece becomes more worn. 

Once you’re finished, you may use mouthwash to rid your mouth of any leftover bacteria.

Call Us Today!

If you are flossing for the first time in a while, you may feel some pain or bleeding – this is normal! As you begin to floss regularly, any discomfort will begin to dissipate.

For more information about the services we provide or to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Novak, contact our High Point dental office today!

6 Great Ways to Whiten your Teeth

The importance of a whiter smile has grown throughout the years. A bright smile is associated with better oral hygiene and has also been proven to create better first impressions. There are many whitening methods available, and each of them have some benefit. Before scheduling an appointment with your High Point dentist, read up on the ways to whiten your teeth on your own.

Indulge in everyday snacks: Surprisingly, chewing certain foods helps scrape off plaque. Food groups such as fruits and vegetables produce saliva, which helps wash away staining bacteria on the surface of teeth.

Avoid coffee, smoking, wine, and other staining substances: Just like your skin, your teeth have pores, and when you consume staining foods, drinks, or tobacco, your teeth absorb them. Try to cut out as much of these substances as possible in order to produce a whiter smile.

White teeth equal healthy gums: Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is essential for optimal oral health. It also helps ensure that your teeth remain white. If your gums are healthy and pink, your teeth will appear brighter.

Try a whitening toothpaste and mouthwash: Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes won’t drastically increase your smile’s luminosity, but they will help kill staining bacteria. Additionally, these products include hydrogen peroxide, which helps brighten teeth.

Whitening strips do work: Although they aren’t as effective as a professional whitening, over-the-counter whitening strips can be used as a quick fix for a dull smile. Whitening strips tend to only target the front six teeth in the mouth, but they are able to lighten those teeth a few shades.

Schedule a teeth whitening appointment with your dentist: The most effective way to ensure your teeth whitening is done in a healthy manner is to schedule an appointment with your local dentist. Professional teeth whitening is faster and safer in the dental office and has the ability to whiten teeth better than any other whitening method.

Call Today!

In his High Point dental office, Dr. David Novak offers teeth whitening for patients looking to brighten their smile and improve their appearance. For more information about teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures, contact us today and schedule an appointment!