Are you one of those rare people who love to floss? If so, congratulations! It’s nice to know there are individuals who prioritize their oral health.
The fact that only 30% of Americans floss daily is a reminder that there is a lot of room for improvement on this topic. After all, flossing regularly is essential to prevent gum disease, cavities, and eventual tooth loss. But just as with exercise, dieting, and enjoying a cocktail, there is such a thing as overdoing it.
It takes about 48 hours for plaque to harden on your teeth. You want to get the film removed before it hardens. You also want to remove food particles from between your teeth, so if you feel like you have food stuck in your molars after lunch, by all means, floss afterwards. Therefore, even though, you could floss twice a day and be OK, pay close attention to how you’re doing it. Also, don’t make flossing twice-a-day, a regular practice.
1. Your gums are in pain. If you floss too vigorously, you apply too much pressure to your gums. This is just as bad as not flossing, since it can cause your gums to recede, which can also lead to gum disease.
2. Your gums are receding. As mentioned above, too much pressure on your gums will cause them to recede. If you’ve been flossing like it’s an Olympic sport, and your teeth look longer than usual, it’s time to scale back.
3. Irritated gums. Some people have red gums because they don’t take proper care of their teeth. But if you’re the type of person who brushes your pearly whites after every meal and you still have irritated gums, only floss once a day.
A good starting point to prevent all of this from happening is to visit your dentist for regular teeth cleanings and ask for tips and pointers on how to floss properly. You should still do it every day. Just be aware that it is possible to have too much of a good thing.
Whether you just need to have a regular teeth cleaning or you just want to learn more about how to floss correctly, we’re here to help.
Call us or schedule an appointment online.
The post Three Signs You Are Flossing Too Much appeared first on Impeccable Smiles.
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