Water Flossing With Orthodontics

A little floss goes a long way when it comes to oral health. Flossing is an important step to remove food particles that have been left behind after brushing. Flossing can significantly reduce periodontal disease and cavity-causing causing bacteria that leads to tooth decay but sometimes the act of flossing is difficult for a patient with orthodontics. Dr. Gregory Ross may suggest using a water flosser for those hard to reach places!

A safe, easy, and effective way to remove plaque around dental braces is to use a water flosser. A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. Not only is this beneficial to patients with traditional braces, water flossers are also an option for people who have trouble flossing by hand. You should never get by on flossing alone. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to reap the maximum benefits of a healthy mouth.

To learn more about orthodontics, visit www.smilesbyross.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS call our Forest Lake, MN location at 651-464-6988 or our Hudson, WI location at 715-808-8379.

Orthodontic Canine Exposure

Canine exposure has nothing to do with leaving your dog outside, exposed to elements. In humans, canine teeth are primarily used for biting and tearing up food. Any tooth may become impacted, but generally, the wisdom teeth and canine teeth are the predominant candidates. At the dental practice of Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS, if it is necessary to remove a tooth by any means, plans will be made and the patient will be provided with personalized, gentle care.

Impacted teeth are sometimes obvious to the naked eye, but in some cases, an x-ray is necessary to identify the extent of the impaction. The older the patient, the more likely an impacted canine will not emerge by nature’s forces alone. It is important to determine whether all the adult teeth are present or are some adult teeth missing. Many times, there is an impacted canine tooth where the baby tooth remains in the mouth. Canine teeth are critical for function and early recognition of an impacted canine tooth is the key to a successful treatment.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.smilesbyross.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS call our Forest Lake, MN location at 651-464-6988 or our Hudson, WI location at 715-808-8379.