Flossing Between Your Teeth Is Essential To Avoid Periodontal Disease

A lot of people take for granted the importance of flossing. Flossing between your teeth is essential to avoid periodontal disease, it also prevents tooth decay. Periodontal disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults and can be easily prevented by flossing. Studies have even shown that flossing can also help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Flossing Prevents Plaque

Dental plaque is made up of harmful micro-organisms which include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa (microscopic parasites). If there is plaque left between teeth and near gums, it can accumulate and cause inflammation. This is the first phase of gum disease which is called gingivitis.

If gingivitis is not taken care of, it may develop into periodontitis, a more advanced and more severe stage of the disease. Periodontitis damages the alveolar bone that holds teeth in the jaw. If not treated, this disease may therefore eventually lead to tooth loss.

Another great reason to floss is the prevention of halitosis. If dental plaque that is found between teeth is not cleaned, it will eventually release a foul smell from your mouth. This is a major reason why a person may suffer from bad breath (halitosis). Tooth decay and gum disease, also caused by dental plaque, are a source of a bad smell in the mouth, as well.

If you live in the Bloomingdale, Wheaton, and Carol Stream areas, contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at 630-260-0333 or online at http://www.blackmanandblissdds.com/ for more information on the benefits of flossing.

When Should I See A Dentist For A Tooth Ache?

Have you ever wondered when to see the dentist for a toothache? Toothaches are painful. Everyone has had one, and just thinking about them can make you wince. But when does that pain become a sign that it's time to make an appointment? If you are experimenting a dull or mild tooth pain, this might just be sensitivity. Everyone's teeth are sensitive to different things. Sometimes ice cream can cause temporary pain. In this case, a visit to the dentist probably isn't necessary. Rinse with warm salt water and brush with a sensitive toothpaste.

If you have a toothache that becomes sensitive to all of the elements for an extended period of time, then it's time to visit a dentist. An abscess may have occurred and the problem is only going to get worse. It's not unlike a leak on a boat, the hole is going to grow bigger with time and will allow more particles of food and other nerve damaging, painful elements into the tooth.

In many cases, particles of food and debris do get stuck inside of the tooth. At that time, a root canal is needed to thoroughly clean the affected area. That is done to ensure no debris is left behind, because if it is there will be detrimental effects on the tooth and whether or not it can be saved.

If you live in the Bloomingdale, Wheaton, and Carol Stream areas, contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at 630-260-0333 or online at http://www.blackmanandblissdds.com/ for more information on tooth sensitivity.