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Is Flossing Every Day Important? | Schnecksville Dentist

If you ask the average adult which part of their daily dental hygiene is their least favorite, chances are flossing will be at the top of the list. Not only did a survey conducted by the American Dental Association reveal that more adults would rather do something they find awful than floss, but it’s the frequency of times teeth are flossed is the biggest lie dentists hear on a day-to-day basis.

Flossing is merely the act of wrapping a piece of string around your teeth, one by one, in order to remove any bacteria and excess material stuck between each tooth. Fair enough, but we are also brushing our teeth to remove bacteria and excess debris – so, is it really that important? The answer is yes. And here are a few reasons why you may want to change your mind about flossing:

Better than brushing alone. A toothbrush works to removing plaque with its bristles. Brushing alone has one big drawback: A toothbrush’s bristles can’t adequately clean between the teeth or under the gums. That’s where floss comes in, to get in those tiny spaces between your teeth to get the grime out your toothbrush can’t reach.

Protects your gums. Where the gums and teeth meet are where flossing plays its major role. Particles of food can get lodged here, and plaque in this area will harden over time to form tartar, that your dentist will remove with a scraper. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis.

Helps prevent other diseases. Gum disease can have effects that go beyond discolored teeth, discomfort and bad breath. Research has shown that the bacteria in an unhealthy mouth can harm the rest of the body, leading to heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illness.

For more information about flossing, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Why Do We Need to Floss? | Schnecksville Dentist

When it comes to dental hygiene basics, we know there is a three-step process for optimal dental health – dental hygiene, healthy diet and regular dental visits for checkups. We may need a dental professional when something goes wrong, but it is up to us to keep up their maintenance. After all, you want to preserve your smile for as long as possible. And of all of the dental tasks we love to avoid, it’s definitely flossing, but it’s something that is just as necessary as every other step.

When we begin and end our day, it is important that we give our mouths a good cleaning, not only to get all of the food particles that may be stuck in our smile, but to keep our smiles healthy and free from issues like gum disease.

Flossing isn’t a new thing. In fact, flossing began in ancient China. They didn’t use the floss that we’ve come to know, but horse hairs. To be fair, what you use for floss isn’t point; the importance of flossing is to help aid your brushing efforts. Just like mouthwash can rinse out stuck particles, flossing gets those hard-to-reach areas in your mouth your toothbrush has trouble reaching. The cleaner your mouth is, the less chance dental issues may arise.

Now that you know the basics, here is a step-by-step guide to proper flossing: Cut yourself a piece of floss about 18 inches long and wrap both sides around your fingers. Pull it taut between your thumb and index finger and guide the floss in between each tooth in a gentle zigzag motion to gently scrub down all the spaces between your teeth.

For more information about flossing, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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10 Tips for a Healthy Smile | Schnecksville Dentist

We all want a healthy smile, but are you doing your best to keep that smile healthy? After all, we at Extraordinary Smiles will do our best to treat your dental issues, but most of the work falls in your hands. Do your job well and our job is easy. But how do you know if you are doing the best possible job for your smile? Here is a quick rundown:

Brush properly. Maintaining a healthy smile means brushing, flossing and rinsing on a daily basis. Brush for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day – all four quadrants.

Even your tongue. You may not think this is necessary, but your tongue holds tons of bacteria and can lead to bad breath.

Swish, swish. Using mouthwash will not only improve your breath, but it can also strengthen your teeth, prevent plaque and gum disease. Rinsing fits anywhere in the sequence as mouthwash will dislodge debris in your mouth, making it easier for you to clean your mouth well.

Flossing. Flossing is very similar to mouthwash – it loosens particles in places your toothbrush can’t reach.

Choose your weapon. Picking out a toothbrush may seem daunting with all of the variations available. Choose soft-bristles and a small enough head to reach your back molars, electric or manual is up to you.

Keep it clean. Thoroughly rinsing your toothbrush after each use will help keep bacteria from entering your mouth. Allow it to air dry for optimal cleanliness – no toothbrush covers.

Swap it out. Toothbrushes need to be replaced every three months, or after having a cold.

Midnight snacks. Unless you plan on brushing and flossing after your snack, food before bedtime isn’t a good idea.

Tobacco-free. We all know smoking is bad for your health, but it’s also terrible for your smile. If you use tobacco products, try quitting.

Keep your appointments. Finally, make sure to call us for regular checkups. We are the only ones that can tell you if you’re doing a great job. It’s all about teamwork!

For more information about dental hygiene, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Are You Brushing Correctly? | Schnecksville Dentist

In the age of social media, physical appearance has become a focus on everyone’s mind. And what is a selfie without a great smile? Unfortunately, we can’t rely solely on our dentist to give us the smile we want – we also play a major role in how healthy our smiles are. We need to look after our smiles in between dental visits. So, it is important that we are doing a proper job cleaning our teeth daily. We know the basics, but you may be surprised to know you may have picked up a habit or two that aren’t kosher with optimum dental care.

In general, proper oral care involves these four steps:

  • Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each session
  • Flossing once a day, ideally before bed
  • Limiting the amount of sugar consumed
  • Visiting the dentist every 3-6 months for regular checkups and professional cleanings

The idea of having to brush your teeth for two whole minutes may come as a surprise, but it is the suggested timeframe you should be aiming for in order to properly maintain your bright grin. When brushing your teeth, use short, gentle strokes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying extra attention to your gums, the back teeth and areas around dental work.

When flossing, hold about 18 inches of floss between your thumbs and index fingers, then gently slide it in between the gaps of your teeth. Remember, brushing and flossing are two of the most important things in making sure that you have a beautiful and healthy smile, so proper technique is a definite must.

For more information about dental health, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.