Flossing Excuses

Our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC have heard countless excuses as to why patients don’t or won’t floss. “I don’t know how to floss properly, my gums bleed when I floss, and I just don’t have the time,” are common excuses that are often uttered in the dental chair. Floss is the single most important weapon that fights against plaque, controls bad breath, and decreases the chance of developing gum disease. Here’s why you shouldn’t write-off this important part of your oral care regimen. 

Unlike a toothbrush, floss is designed specifically to clean the tight spaces between the teeth. Flossing at least once a day will do more than keep the smile pretty and healthy, it will prevent gum inflammation that can lead to gingivitis. In fact, if you already have gingivitis, flossing this often will reverse the condition. Flossing will also prevent cavities, and help cut down the risk of developing respiratory diseases.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral care or dental hygiene, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Find Your Flossing Technique

If you’ve recently consumed a meal that was rich in carbohydrates, it’s time to find some floss. Even if you brush your teeth after eating, a plaque that is left on the teeth contains bacteria that feed on these leftovers. Plaque that is not adequately removed can harden into a substance called tartar which only our team of hygienists at Downtown Dental LLC will be able to remove. We’ve previously mentioned that there is a proper way to brush your teeth, but there is also a proper way to floss. To reap the benefits try utilizing these tips the next time you clean between your teeth.  

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.


• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.


• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.


• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions. Repeat this method for the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the molars!

If you have questions about improving your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Brush Your Teeth with This Technique

It’s no secret that brushing your teeth on a daily basis will not only keep your oral health in prime shape but your overall health as well. The American Dental Association, as well as our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC, recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. You may be surprised to learn that there is a proper way to brush your teeth. Next time you’re standing over the sink with a toothbrush in hand, try utilizing these tips.

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.


• Move the brush back and forth in a circular motion in short (tooth-wide) strokes.


• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.


• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria.

If you have questions about improving your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.