Trust us. Periodontal disease is not something you want to deal with. Dr. Thomas A. Bissell helps patients struggling with gum disease on a regular basis, by offering treatments such as LANAP® laser treatment, scaling and root planning, tooth extraction, osseous surgery and more. Depending on the severity of the case, multiple procedures may need to be performed. If the problem is ignored, tooth loss can occur, as can other health issues throughout your body because of the active infection living inside the mouth.

Fortunately, you have a way to prevent the risk. Flossing on a regular basis is one of the best ways to pull food particles out of the gum line so they do not begin to fester and turn into gingivitis. Not sure you know how to floss? It is not as hard as it may seem. The following are some tips to get you started:

1. Cut approximately 18 inches of floss to use. Wrap one end around one of your fingers, leaving approximately six inches. Wrap the remaining portion around a finger on the opposite hand, leaving a section about three inches long between hands.
2. Pinch the floss on each side with the forefingers and thumbs. Begin to guide that section between the teeth, starting at the back of the mouth moving forward. Slowly rub back and forth until it reaches the gum line, being careful not to let it snap or pinch the gums.
3. Gently curve the floss against one of the teeth and let it slide up into the space under the gums and in front of the tooth.
4. Carefully slide the floss back and forth, while pulling down away from the gums. Slide it back up on the side of the next tooth and repeat the motion.

As your periodontist in Chester, NJ, Dr. Bissell recommends flossing at least once per day, and definitely after eating something fibrous or sticky. Doing this will help you avoid the risk of periodontal disease to keep yourself as healthy as possible.