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Rockwall Oral Surgery

teeth flossing mouth reconstruction

The Benefits of Teeth Flossing Daily

Everyone should have a daily routine of brushing their teeth, flossing, washing their face, etc. It is ok if yours isn’t the same as others, but it is essential to floss. Cleaning between your teeth with floss helps prevent cavities and gum disease. This cleaning process helps remove plaque between your teeth, which contains bacteria from leftover foods and sugars consumed throughout the day. Think of flossing as a critical oral hygiene practice. Rockwall Oral Surgery can share some benefits of teeth flossing and why it is essential to your oral health to keep up with flossing! Reach out to us today for more information! 

Types of Floss 

Many people try to use whatever they can get their hands on at the moment. This is not a good idea. These items can be harmful to your mouth, teeth, and gums because of germs, sharp edges, and the after-effects of what might come of trying to floss with random items you stick into your mouth. 

Try one of these instead: 

  • dental picks
  • string floss
  • tiny brushes that reach between the teeth 
  • water flossers 

Each one has a particular spot they can reach. Talk to us at Rockwall Oral Surgery, and we can help you find the perfect fit for your teeth. Once you get used to flossing, it will be a healthy habit you have forever! 

The Best Time to Floss? 

Whenever you decide you need to. If you would like to floss before or after brushing your teeth, it does not make a difference if you take the time to floss. It only takes a few extra minutes added to your routine, and you should feel better going to bed with a clean mouth. Most floss picks are small enough to travel with, so it does not hurt to throw a few in your bag so you can floss after lunch and feel fresh throughout the day! 

Get The Job Done Right 

Remember that it should not hurt when you floss. If you floss too hard, you could damage the tissue between your teeth, and however, if you floss too soft, you might not clean as well as you should. It is normal to feel some discomfort when you start flossing. Because most of the time, it has been a while, but once you get into a routine, you should feel better in no time! 

Steps to a Flawless Floss 

  • Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the opposite finger. This finger will take up the floss as it gets dirty. 
  • Hold the floss tight between your forefingers and thumbs.
  • Guide the floss gently between your teeth, using a rubbing motion. 
  • When the floss reaches the gum line, turn it into a C shape against one tooth and gently guide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. 
  • Gently rub the floss against the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. 

Repeat this on the rest of your teeth, on both the bottom and top! Once you are finished, always throw away the used piece of floss. Contact us about what dental care products are best for you and your oral health needs. Rockwall oral surgery is here to guide you and ensure you have the healthiest mouth and shiniest teeth. 

Floss with Rockwall Oral Surgery 

Adding the benefits of teeth flossing to your daily routine can change how you take care of your oral health. Rockwall Oral Surgery is here to help you find ways to keep your smile bright and your smile big! Reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have. Call (469) 264-8921 or leave us a message to schedule your appointment today!

Do You Know About Tooth Extraction Risks? 

When you have a tooth extracted, it comes with possible post-surgical effects. These are known to be inflammation, bruising, bleeding, or infection. If you experience some pain, swelling, and bruising around the extracted tooth, that is to be expected for most patients and should subside. Most surgeons will prescribe anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to help manage tooth extraction risks. At Rockwall Oral Surgery, we want to ensure you receive the best oral care and understand our process from beginning to end. We do not want our patients to be in any pain. Reach out to us today to discuss tooth extraction procedures. 

Tooth Extraction Risks 

  • Type of anesthetic – depending on the type of anesthetic used can cause damage to the patient’s mouth, nausea, and dizziness. 
  • Improper Teeth Alignment – Following a tooth extraction, it can cause your other teeth to shift. This leads to misalignment and changes to your overall bite. Over time, this can change the other healthy teeth in your mouth and cause further dental work in the future. 
  • Bite Collapse – when patients have had several back teeth removed. This is also known as a loss of vertical dimension of occlusion and involves rotation of the lower jaw closer to the upper jaw. 
  • Delayed Healing- some patients may be on other medications for other health reasons, which can delay the healing process for a tooth extraction. To avoid this, we recommend pausing your current medication before your extraction is done so you can heal properly and reduce the risk of complications. 
  • Osteoradionecrosis- The death of the bone characterizes this condition underneath the extracted tooth due to damage to the blood vessels that serve the bone as a result of radiation exposure. 
  • Dry socket (Osteitis)-When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot naturally forms over the area where the tooth previously sat. 
  • Nerve injury- the area may feel numb or tingly permanently. This is a rare complication but can affect some patients. 

With these tooth extraction risks, it is essential to be in touch with us at Rockwall Oral Surgery so we can help you through the healing process. 

Tooth Extraction Post Operative Care 

  • You may bleed for 8-12 hours following the extraction. If it continues, call our office immediately. Oozing of pink fluid for 1-2 days is normal. 
  • Discomfort is best managed with Tylenol, Aleve, or Advil. If you experience pain that lasts more than 2-3 days after your extraction, you can give our office a call to come in for a follow-up. 
  • Healing should be a smooth process. It is important not to disturb the extraction site. Eat soft foods and avoid rinsing for 24 hours after your extraction. 

Ensuring that you take good care of your mouth after tooth extraction can make all the difference for the overall health of your oral future! 

Extraction Procedure with Rockwall Oral Surgery 

If you are in pain and want to know more about our tooth extraction risks and processes, reach out today! You can call us at (469)757-4433 for your consultation! We can also reach us by message online.