DENTAL WELLNESS CENTRE

Poor dental habits often invariably lead to complicated dental issues and hence expensive treatments. And to maintain the general good health of your teeth, brushing is not enough. It is very important to regularly floss too.

Difference between brushing and flossing:

For those who consider brushing and flossing to be similar, here is where the difference lies. While you brush your teeth, it's only the surface that gets cleaned. But the dirt that gets accumulated between the gaps of your teeth can only be cleaned by using a thin nylon thread, and that process is known as flossing. Avoiding flossing can lead to cavities and decay, and also gum diseases at times.

Benefits of Flossing:

1. Reduces the risk of heart diseases:
Periodontal diseases, that is, diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth, can lead to heart diseases. Thus maintaining oral health can reduce the risk of any major ailments manifold. It can also help you to avoid the risk of diabetes and high body mass index.

2. Cleaner breath:
Flossing cleans the dirt between the teeth that gets accumulated when we eat. The accumulated food, if not taken out, starts decaying and creates bacteria and results in bad breath, leaving a bad impression.

3. Cleaner and glossier teeth:
Flossing regularly keeps your teeth clean and white. It also makes your teeth gleam, making your smile more attractive.

4. Keeps you healthy while you are pregnant:
During pregnancy, some women suffer from enamel wear and gum diseases. Thus, flossing regularly even while you are pregnant can help you maintain your dental health.

Types of dental floss:

1. Waxed and unwaxed dental floss:
Waxed dental floss is much smoother than the unwaxed version, and as a result, moves more easily between the teeth. On the other hand, unwaxed dental floss can be a little rough to use in the beginning.

2. Teflon Floss:
Made of Teflon, this type of floss is extremely easy to navigate between the teeth and rarely gets stuck between teeth.

3. Thread Floss:
This one works just like the other flosses, but is simply made of a different material, that is, nylon.

4. Tape Floss:
As compared to the other type of flosses, this particular floss is a little thick and is suitable for people who have wider gaps between their teeth.

You can also stick to flossing aids for maintaining proper dental hygiene. They are usually perfect for people who find the conventional forms difficult to adapt to. However, such aids maybe more expensive than regular flosses.

You can also use a tooth pick or an interdental brush in case you wish to avoid flossing. Just make sure that the dirt comes out, no matter which method you take up! Keep Smiling!

Please do not forget to do warm saline gargles - lukewarm water with the pinch of salt in it at least 3 times a day.

1. Bite firmly on the gauze pads covering each extraction site for atleast 30 min to help stop the bleeding
2. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 48 hours.
3. Do not forget to take the medicines as prescribed by the doctor.
4. If possible chew on the opposite side of your extraction site. Drink lots of liquids and eat soft, nutritious foods. Strictly avoid hard, hot food & drinks for first 24 hours.
5. Avoid excessive mouth opening, yawning, spitting etc
6. If bleeding continues, call your dentist.

Frequently asked questions. As suggested by many clinicians does lemon and baking soda whiten teeth?

Baking soda and lemon juice are not a healthy way to whiten your teeth. Although the result may seem that your teeth are whiter you have actually eroded and abraded your teeth. Lemon juice is very acidic and will erode your teeth. Baking soda is very abrasive and will abrade your teeth. Together they can have a very destructive effect. Once enamel is lost, it is lost forever.

A healthier and more effective way to bleach your teeth is to do the in-office bleaching systems or the at home bleaching systems with bleaching trays. There is no way to know how much improvement you will get but you will see an improvement. Some over-the-counter whitening products can be effective if used as instructed.

A good way to keep your teeth white is to get your routine cleanings, minimize foods that can stain your teeth (coffee, tea, wine, soda etc.) and don't smoke. Also, you can use whitening toothpaste and keep the slurry that forms from brushing in your mouth for about 5 minutes. If done consistently for a few weeks you will notice an improvement.
 

Chewing food from the affected side should be avoided.