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Why is Flossing so Important?

Posted on November 25, 2013 - 2:50 pm

You always hear frWoman Flossing Her Teethom Staten Island dentists that you need to brush AND floss. But why? Isn’t brushing enough? At Exceptional Dentistry in Staten Island, we’d like to explain a little bit about why flossing is such an important part of your oral health.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), flossing at least once a day is necessary to maintain optimal oral health. Why? Flossing helps you successfully remove plaque and bacteria from in between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.

While a toothbrush is great for cleaning the surfaces of teeth, when you pair proper brushing with a daily flossing routine, you’re not only removing plaque before it can harden into dangerous tartar or calculus, you’re also reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease. With the number of dangers directly related to gum disease (heart disease, strokes, even some cancers), flossing is something you shouldn’t ignore.

Flossing Tips for Healthy Gums

  • Floss before brushing your teeth

  • Glide the floss in between each tooth using a sawing motion

  • Angle the floss in a “c” shape around the tooth and slightly below the gumline

  • Repeat on the opposite tooth

  • Unravel the floss from your fingers, supplying fresh floss for each set of teeth

  • Finish up with a proper brushing

When you first start on a daily flossing routine, you may experience some discomfort. However, it’s really important that you don’t stop. If you’re still experiencing discomfort after a week or two, call your dentist in Staten Island immediately.

If you’re due for a checkup, are experiencing discomfort during flossing, or are in need of a professional cleaning, we can help. Call Dr. Craig Ratner to schedule your appointment today.

Raving Reviews from Our Patients

I needed a dentist who would take the time to explain my issues and the steps necessary to resolve them. Dr. Ratner is great! The entire staff is welcoming, friendly and efficient. The office is well-equipped, very clean and comfortable. Exceptional Dentistry is highly recommended!!

- Linda H.

Dr. Ratner and his staff are an exceptional and amazing team who have helped me countless times over the years. Their expertise and patience always alleviates any concerns I may have when visiting their office. I can’t thank them enough for continuing to not only accommodate my schedule but also being truly helpful and wonderful professionals.

- Samantha L.

I’ve been going to Dr. Ratner for years now and I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else! He is the best dentist I’ve been to in my entire life! Let me say I am a BIG BABY when it comes to sitting in a dentist chair. I am sooooo scared! He’s done fillings, crowns, even implants etc. on me and HE WAS AMAZING!! Didn’t feel a thing! He has a wonderful bedside manner. His staff is so wonderful too! Love them all! I can go on and on how wonderful he is. If you are looking for a dentist………………..look no further, cause Dr. Ratner is your guy!!!

- Patty S.

Exceptional Dentistry is great. Dr. Ratner has put together a great staff, all very professional and helpful. Pleasure dealing with each and everyone of them. Dr.’s care is exceptional, concerned with your well being and comfort, he talks you through the whole process…no surprises! And the state-of-the-art equipment and knowledge is unsurpassed. Thanks Doc for the exceptional care and service.

- Ray A.

Exceptionally GREAT dental care, from the front office to the hygienists, and then, there is Dr. Alex.

In two years, my dental health has improved markedly.

I now look forward to dental appointments.

Thank you all, at Exceptional Dentistry!!!

- Mark R.

Even though I had not been to a dentist in almost 10 years prior, Dr. Ratner and his team were still able to provide me with “Exceptional Dentistry”. They were kind, courteous, clean, professional, quick, and used state-of-the-art equipment to restore my teeth and smile.

- Robert L.

If you are searching for a great dentist, look no further. Clean, modern, bright office. Great staff. Everyone wears a smile, is very friendly and professional. And Dr. Ratner is great. I called with an emergency on a holiday weekend and got a return call within 5 minutes!

- Laura

Absolutely an excellent experience. Dr. Ratner and his entire staff show professionalism and courtesy. Needed to go several times for a root canal, crown fitting, and cleaning, and every time was met with kindness and caring. Uses only the best and up to date technology to work on all your needs. Highly recommended!

- Paul S.

Exceptional only begins to scratch the surface of the type of service, one may receive from Dr. Ratner and his staff at Exceptional Dentistry.

Not only is their dental work of the highest order, the sheer kindness and bedside manner of the entire staff, is truly extraordinary.

As someone who neglected their oral health for years, resulting in daily physical discomfort and a deterioration of confidence, I can fully attest to the life-changing experience I had with Exceptional Dentistry. Life-changing is not an exaggeration, but a statement of fact.

- Patrick

I had an exceptional experience at Dr. Ratner’s office. The staff was welcoming, friendly, and informative. I had very minor gum recontouring done and the process was very carefully done and very quick. Whether it was a minor procedure or not, I am so happy I trusted Exceptional Dentistry and it has made a world of a difference to me.
Great place, great people, great work. Thank you!

- Christina C.

It’s called Exceptional Dentistry because they provide exceptional service. Dr. Ratner is by far the best dentist/oral surgeon I have ever met. Highly skilled and extremely competent. Responsible for all of my perfectly performed implants. State of the art office and equipment. Office staff extremely professional and courteous. I highly recommend Dr. Ratner for all your dental needs.

- Pasquale D.

Painless dentistry at its best!! Beautiful, immaculate office with the most pleasant staff. Dr. Ratner is a true professional and explains everything he is doing. I had a root canal and didn’t feel a thing – I was waiting for at least some discomfort that night, but nothing! Simply an AMAZING experience!! Go there, you will be glad you did. 😀

- Gina O.

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