Common Flossing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Flossing daily can mean the difference between good oral health and ongoing dental issues. Your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, has probably recommended that you floss daily on many occasions. But did you know that flossing can actually be harmful if you don’t do it right?

Common Flossing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Here are the most common flossing mistakes and what you can do to avoid making them.

Flossing at the Wrong Time

Most dentists in Jacksonville, FL, recommend floss before brushing your teeth at night before you go to bed. Your saliva production decreases while you sleep, leaving your mouth more prone to bacterial growth. So flossing at night before you go to bed is extremely important to your overall dental health.

Flossing Too Deep

If you floss your teeth too aggressively to where the floss gets down into your gums, it will damage them, which could lead to other dental issues. So always floss gently and schedule routine teeth cleaning in Jacksonville, FL.

Flossing After Brushing

You should always floss before brushing your teeth. Flossing loosens up the food and plaque between your teeth and brushing your teeth brushes that debris away.

Not Flossing Your Whole Tooth

Many people don’t realize that you have to floss both sides of each tooth. If you don’t floss both sides of each tooth, you probably aren’t benefit from flossing.

Stopping Flossing If Your Gums Bleed

It’s common to see a little blood when you floss, especially if you’ve flossed too aggressively. It’s also a sign that you need to floss more regularly. However, if the bleeding continues, you might want to make a dental appointment for a diagnosis.

Do You Need a Dentist in Jacksonville, FL?

If you need a dentist in Jacksonville, FL, or any of the surrounding areas, please Contact Mandarin Dentistry today. We provide a warm, comfortable, relaxing environment. And we promise to treat you with all the care and respect you deserve.

What’s Causing My Gums to Recede?

Gum recession can put your teeth at risk, by causing loss of java bone and ultimately, loose teeth. If you have receding gums, your dentist in Jacksonville, FL can help. At Mandarin Dentistry, we can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Knowing what causes gum recession and what steps you can do to protect your teeth can help with this problem. See below.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can be caused by a number of factors. Some of the common causes of gum recession include:

  • Genetics
  • Brushing your teeth too hard
  • Periodontal disease
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Teeth grinding

How Can I Stop My Gums from Receding?

The way to stop your gum recession from happening is to first discover the root cause of the gum recession. Your dentist can help you with this. By looking at the evidence, your dentist should be able to pinpoint why your gums are receding and what can be done about it.

Some tips to stop gum recession:

  • Brush twice daily and floss once per day.
  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Brush with gentle strokes.
  • See the dentist twice per year for dental cleanings.
  • If you smoke, stop smoking to improve your overall oral hygiene.
  • If you grind your teeth at night, wear a nightguard.

Once your gums have receded, your dentist may recommend a number of treatments to manage the problem. Treatments may include taking antibiotics or getting gum grafting surgery. Your dentist will recommend the best treatment for your needs.

Want To Protect Your Teeth From Gum Recession? See the Dentist Regularly

Preventative dentistry in Jacksonville, FL is important in the fight against gum recession. Call Mandarin Dentistry today to make your dental appointment.