Professional Dental Care

                                 for the Whole Family

A lifelong Fort Worth resident, Dr. Gary C. Morton has practiced general dentistry in Fort Worth since 1974.

Dr. Gary C. Morton is an

Active Member of the

American Dental Association

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Dental Hygiene Tips

Flossing

Flossing once a day helps fight gum disease and tooth decay

Flossing teeth is the single most important factor in preventing gum (periodontal) disease. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, and advanced gum disease affect more than 75 percent of the U.S. population.

Flossing every 24 hours is just as important as brushing because it helps remove the plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums between the teeth. Flossing also helps polish the tooth's surface and control bad breath.

Whether waxed or un-waxed, flavored or unflavored, wide or regular size, floss of any type helps clean and remove plaque. Wide floss, also known as dental tape, may be a better choice for people with bridgework. Dental tape also is recommended when people have wider-than-average space between their teeth. Waxed floss can be easier to slide between closely spaced teeth. Un-waxed floss will squeak against cleaned teeth, indicating plaque has been removed.

Although mechanical flossing tools have been introduced, most dentists contend there is no substitute for manually flossing one's teeth.

Oral irrigation tools should not substitute for brushing and flossing because they do not remove plaque. However, such tools are useful for people who can’t floss due to gum disease pain.

Benefits of flossing

·  Reduces risk of gum disease

·  Freshens breath

·  Removes plaque between teeth

·  Polishes tooth surfaces

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Can't find a topic or answer for your question? Call Dr. Morton's office at 817.731.6496 and his staff will help you get the answers.