This is a key question occasionally asked by patients at Russell Anderson Jr. Dentistry in Kennesaw. The answer, however, is “No!”
Bleeding is probably a sign that you need to clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly, not leave them alone. It is almost impossible to clean effectively between teeth without using floss or an interdental brush.
If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times you do. It may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding ordinarily stops within a week or two.
Gingivitis (gum disease) and the more advanced periodontal disease is extremely common in Georgia and around the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of American adults aged 30 and over have periodontal disease.
If you don’t make flossing a habit, and your gums become sore, swollen, and tender, it could bring about gum disease. The good news is that, unlike decay, gum disease can be reversed with improved oral hygiene.
It is vital to correctly use dental floss to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth:
- Cut a length of floss about 18 inches long.
- Securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
- Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with.
- Thread the floss between two teeth.
- Hold the floss tightly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s vital to scrape up and out of the pocket.
- Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to provide a clean section for every tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new one.
Some people find it easier to start on one end on the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side. Then repeat for the bottom row. Whatever operation you opt for, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the last molars.
At Russell Anderson Jr. Dentistry in Kennesaw, your dental health is important to us. We want all our patientst brush and floss regularly, and see us for a checkup twice a year. Services include general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today.
Contact Russell Anderson Jr. Dentistry:
770-419-2535
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1415 Wooten Lake Rd NW Ste 300
Kennesaw, Georgia
30144
