The Importance of Flossing Everyday

 At Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ, Dr. John Graneto stresses flossing as one of the most important things in daily dental care. With three Phoenix locations: 2533 N 75 Ave, 2046 N 24th St, and 524 E Baseline Rd, one is sure to be convenient for an appointment or a consultation.

Dental Hygiene

Good dental hygiene is essential for overall health. Cleaning between your teeth helps to remove any leftover food and debris that could remain. When debris remains between your teeth, it forms plaque and the plaque can harden into tartar. Having tartar near or under your gums can lead to inflamed gums and the beginnings of periodontal disease. Left untreated, you can get gingivitis which can then get into the bloodstream and cause issues with your heart and other systems in the body.

The ADA recommends that you brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day. Many people prefer to floss before going to bed.

Why Floss

Flossing can get into some hard-to-reach places between your teeth. These are places where your toothbrush just can't reach. Some people find that interdental cleaners are easier to use at home than floss. Both of them accomplish the same thing. Not only does flossing help to fight gum disease, but it also helps to reduce the likelihood that you will get cavities in these hard-to-reach places.

Types of Floss

Floss today is usually made from plastic or nylon fibers. You can buy it in single packages, or it can be attached to a plastic pick. It comes in either waxed or unwaxed versions, and they are both equally effective. Some people find that the waxed version slides between tight teeth easier, but other people have sensitivity issues with the wax. It can also be flavored which, while it makes it more pleasant to use for flossing in Phoenix, AZ, does not affect how well it works. All types work equally well if they are used properly.

If you have any questions about how to floss correctly, ask your dentist to give you some instructions. Flossing incorrectly won't be as effective as correct flossing. Flossing every day is one of the best things you can do for your teeth and your gums.

You can't start your kids too early to have healthy dental flossing habits in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Graneto of Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces will help you and your kids get off to the right start. Call one of their three offices, 2533 N 75 Ave (602) 833-5286, 2046 N 24th St (480) 405-3635, and 524 E Baseline Rd (480) 405-3387.

Everything You Need to Know About Nitrous Oxide Sedation

 At Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in AZ, Dr. John Graneto uses nitrous oxide sedation at the 75th avenue location, the 24th street location and the Baseline road location to safely put patients in a fully relaxed state during a procedure. Contact us today to learn more about the most common form of sedation used in dentistry.

Exploring Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Dentists often use nitrous oxide to manage pain and relax patients during a procedure. This form of sedation is safe and effective, and Dr. John Graneto routinely uses nitrous oxide sedation at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in AZ at the 75th avenue location, the 24th street location and the Baseline road location to help children stay calm during their appointments.

How Do Dentists Administer Nitrous Oxide?

The process of administering nitrous oxide is simple. Using an oxygen mask, dentists ask you to normally breathe in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. As you or your child breathe in the mixture, your lungs start to absorb the anesthetic. Within a few minutes, you'll start to feel the effects. Once your dentist removes the mask, the effects wear off quickly.

Dentists frequently use this form of sedation because it's easy to adjust the level of sedation. Additionally, medical experts, including the American Dental Association, say nitrous oxide is safe for the lungs, heart, liver and brain. Since there are no needles required, dentists prefer this method of sedation to keep children calm during their appointment.

The side effects of nitrous oxide are minimal. Most patients report being a little disoriented after sedation, but the effects typically wear off after a few minutes. Depending on the level of sedation, the effects might last a little longer.

If you have any questions about your child's safety when considering nitrous oxide sedation at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in AZ, Dr. John Graneto and our team are ready to answer your questions. Contact us today at (623) 232-0749 (75th avenue location), (480) 666-5984 (24th street location) or (480) 405-4714 (Baseline road location).