Category: Oral Hygiene

Proper Flossing Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted February 6, 2024 by Paris Mountain Dental

Along with brushing, flossing is a key part of a daily oral hygiene routine. Floss removes plaque between teeth and at the gum line, where decay or gum disease can easily form. At Paris Mountain Dental, we emphasize the importance of flossing during every visit. However, we wrote this step-by-step guide so you can easily reference proper flossing techniques wherever you go!

Choose the Right Floss

Begin your flossing journey by selecting the right tool for the job. Dental floss comes in various types, including waxed, unwaxed, tape and flavored options. Choose the floss that suits your preferences and effectively navigates between your teeth.

Cut the Right Floss Length

Cut a piece of floss around 18 inches long. This length allows you to use a fresh section of floss between each tooth, ensuring thorough cleaning without redepositing plaque.

Proper Holding Technique

Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches in between for maneuverability. Use your index fingers and thumbs to guide the floss gently between your teeth. Avoid snapping the floss, as this can harm your gums.

Gentle Glide Between Teeth

Slide the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth, forming a C-shape around the tooth and gently moving it below the gumline. Ensure you cover both sides of each tooth, effectively removing plaque and debris.

Utilize a Clean Section for Each Tooth

As you move from one tooth to the next, unwind a fresh section of floss. This prevents the transfer of bacteria and ensures an optimal cleaning experience.

If you find traditional floss challenging, consider interdental brushes or floss picks. These tools can be effective alternatives, offering convenience while maintaining thorough cleaning between teeth.

Schedule a Dental Appointment in Travelers Rest, SC

Mastering proper flossing techniques is a fundamental step in achieving optimal oral health. At Paris Mountain Dental, we always encourage patients, even children, to brush and floss between routine dental visits. Have a question about flossing? Due for a routine dental visit? Call us today!

Understanding & Preventing Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction

Posted January 10, 2024 by Paris Mountain Dental

Sometimes, the path to your ideal smile involves tooth extraction. While the procedure itself is usually simple and relatively tolerated in most patients, appropriate aftercare is paramount in preventing complications like dry socket. Here are our tips on preventing dry socket following a tooth extraction.

What Is Dry Socket?

Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, occurs when the blood clot that typically forms after a tooth extraction is dislodged or dissolves prematurely, exposing the underlying bone and nerves to air, food particles, and bacteria.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Gently clean your mouth and teeth, being careful around the extraction site. If you wish to use an anti-bacterial mouthwash or saline solution, tilt your head and soak the area instead of swishing.

Avoid Tobacco, Alcohol & Hard Foods

Smoking increases the risk of dry socket. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals in tobacco can increase your risk of infection and prolong your healing time. Alcohol can affect your blood’s ability to clot and your hydration levels. Further, hard foods can dislodge the blood clot or cause trauma to the area, aiding the potential for infection.

Tooth Extraction in Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina!

Recovering from a tooth extraction can seem daunting, but following these tips can help ease that burden. If you have further questions or need to schedule an appointment, give the team at Paris Mountain Dental a call today!

Pros & Cons of Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Posted October 27, 2023 by Paris Mountain Dental

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral found in water sources and certain foods. It has been widely recognized for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities by remineralizing weakened areas of the teeth. Most popular toothpaste brands include fluoride as a key ingredient to improve dental health. There is also fluoride-free toothpaste available.

Pros of Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

One of the primary reasons patients opt for fluoride-free toothpaste is to avoid excessive fluoride intake. Some individuals may be exposed to fluoride through multiple sources, such as fluoridated water, dental treatments, and toothpaste. Reducing fluoride exposure can be beneficial for young children whose teeth are still growing.

In other cases, many fluoride-free toothpaste brands claim to use natural and organic ingredients, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more holistic approach to oral care.

Cons of Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

The most significant drawback of fluoride-free toothpaste is that it lacks the cavity-fighting benefits of fluoride. Without regular exposure to sufficient fluoride, your teeth can be more susceptible to decay, especially if you have a diet high in sugar and acids.

Most dental professionals recommend using fluoride toothpaste to maintain good oral health and prevent cavities! This recommendation is backed up by an abundance of scientific evidence.

Who Should Use Fluoride-Free Toothpaste?

Fluoride-free toothpaste may be suitable for individuals who have concerns about fluoride exposure, such as those with existing health conditions or allergies to fluoride. It can also be an option for young children who cannot yet spit out toothpaste effectively. Before making the switch, however, you should consult with a dentist, like Paris Mountain Dental, to ensure your oral healthcare needs will still be met.

Consult with Our Team at Paris Mountain Dental!

While fluoride-free toothpaste may have some benefits, it’s crucial to weigh these against the potential risk of experiencing increased tooth decay. To learn more about fluoride or other preventive dentistry measures, get in touch with our team!

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