Flossing Tips with Atlanta Dental Solutions

While you may brush your teeth twice a day and visit us regularly, one area that patients often miss is flossing! Daily flossing is crucial to maintaining healthy gums and a healthy mouth. Brushing alone will not thoroughly clean between teeth, and an electric toothbrush and/or mouthwash are not substitutes for flossing. Any restorative work or implants you may have should also be properly flossed daily.

A simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage tooth or gum damage. There are many types of floss available, however our office recommends woven floss in lieu of glide or comfort floss. Woven floss has an easier time absorbing bacteria and disrupting the biofilm than comfort or glide varieties.

If you have any questions about the proper type of floss to use, or need a refresher on the best flossing techniques, ask us at your next appointment!


-Atlanta Dental Solutions

Electric Toothbrushes- Are you using yours correctly?

An electric toothbrush can be an excellent solution to ensure you are brushing effectively and for the appropriate amount of time each day. However, we at Atlanta Dental Solutions receive questions all of the time about electric toothbrushes, as well as general toothbrushing tips, so we thought we’d share a few common questions and answers below!

What amount of toothpaste is appropriate (for any toothbrush)?
✴ Believe it or not, just the size equivalent of a small pea.

How much pressure should be applied with the toothbrush onto tooth surfaces?
✴ As soon as you feel the bristles against your tooth, that’s as much pressure as you should apply - this allows the bristles full range of motion. Using greater force would actually be harmful.

For what duration of time should you brush?
✴ Until it turns off. Most electronic toothbrushes are equipped with a 2-minute timer.

Does an electronic toothbrush replace flossing?
✴ The most advanced toothbrush will not substitute for flossing.

How often should the brush head be replaced?
✴ Every three months. Though the bristles may not appear worn, the bristles stiffen over time. Prolonged use of a brush head with stiffened bristles would be harmful.