Dental Care 101: Why It Pays to Floss

November 29, 2014

481456381The cost of dental fillings, root canal surgery and decaying teeth can easily run into hundreds or thousands of dollars a year.  You can avoid these costs by simply taking an extra 5-10 min out of the day to floss your teeth. Floss was invented in 1815 by a dentist in New Orleans. It was first patented in 1898 by Johnson & Johnson and was made out of silk. Floss is now made of plastic, nylon or dental ribbon. You can also choose an automatic flosser which uses a nylon filament to clean between your teeth. It’s most useful to floss just once day, but slowly and effectively. Even with faithful flossing, everyone should have a professional deep cleaning twice a year to keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay. You can make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for the deep cleaning and dental care that you need. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West Los Angeles and nearby areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Dental Care Advantages of Flossing

Brushing your teeth only cleans the outer surface. You should also be flossing to clean out the gaps between your teeth, where bacteria like to hide. If you don’t floss, the plaque may build-up, causing cavities, tooth decay and gingivitis (gum disease). If left untreated, gingivitis can be a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and obesity. In addition, bacteria can cause Halitosis and discoloration. Flossing can help you avoid these medical and hygiene issues and improve the appearance of your smile.

Preventive Dental Care in Los Angeles, CA

Remember that flossing daily can save your teeth and your checkbook. Some people may believe that you can’t floss if you’re pregnant, nursing, or wearing braces. But there’s a safe and effective flossing technique and material for everybody. Dr. Latner specializes in preventive dental care and can help you find the proper flossing techniques if you have any concerns. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to prevent dental care issues. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding communities including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

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