Residual plaque, stray food particles and other bacterial deposits that are not removed by your daily oral hygiene regimen can create significant oral health problems. Some of those problems include cavities and gum disease.

As plaque and tartar accumulate on your teeth, your gums become inflamed, creating a condition known as gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis can include red, tender and swollen gums and gums that bleed when you brush and floss. Inconsistent brushing and flossing is often a primary cause of plaque and tartar accumulation and gum disease. Flossing, in particular, is effective for removing plaque at the gumline.

An effective flossing technique starts with insert the strand of dental floss then gently curving it into a “c” shape around your tooth. Larger teeth like molars and premolars might require multiple passes to make sure they are thoroughly clean. Make sure to floss below the gumline to remove any stray matter in there. If you’re having trouble inserting the strand between dental work or your teeth, you might want to try using waxed dental floss. The special coating can help slip the strand between teeth and dental work.  

If you live in the [city], [state], area and you have gum disease or oral hygiene concerns, you should call [phone] to schedule an appointment at [practice_name] with our [dr_type] Dr. [doctor_name].