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Does The Gap Size Teeth Slowly Increase Over Time Doing Flossing ?

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Posted on Wed, 15 Nov 2023
Question: Dental flossing is an important part of dental hygiene. As I get older, the gaps between my teeth slowly increase n size. Will flossing push food. Up into my gums and this increases the problem caused by food in/ near gum. Does the gap size increase over time because of pushing food into gums because of flossing?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr diwashish biswas (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please see detailed answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Flossing should not push food into your gums and increase the gap size between your teeth. In fact, flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. If you are not flossing regularly, the plaque and food particles can build up and irritate your gums, leading to inflammation and gum disease. Gum disease can cause your gums to recede, which can create gaps between your teeth.

**There are a few reasons why you may be experiencing gaps between your teeth as you get older:**

* **Natural aging:** As we age, our teeth and gums naturally change. Our teeth can become less dense and more brittle, and our gums can recede. This can create gaps between the teeth.
* **Gum disease:** Gum disease is a common infection that affects the gums and bones that support the teeth.


**Flossing should not be the cause of the gaps between your teeth.** However, if you are not flossing properly, you may be irritating your gums and making the problem worse. Here are some tips for flossing properly:

* Use a fresh piece of floss for each tooth.
* Gently guide the floss between your teeth, using a sawing motion.
* Curve the floss around the tooth in a C-shape and go below the gumline.
* Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums.
* Up and down strokes are not recommended, as they can push food and plaque under the gumline.



**To answer your specific question:**

>Does the gap size increase over time because of pushing food into gums because of flossing?

**No, flossing should not push food into your gums and increase the gap size between your teeth.** If you are flossing properly, you should not be irritating your gums. However, if you are not flossing properly, you may be making the problem worse.
I Hope Your Query is clear now.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. LAKSHMI
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr diwashish biswas (14 hours later)
What is best way to try ( if possible) to restore gum. I see lots of ads for his.?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr diwashish biswas (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please see detailed answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
* **Practice good oral hygiene.** This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing once a day, and using a mouthwash.


treatments to restore gum health, such as:

* **Scaling and root planing.** This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
* **Gum grafting.** This is a surgical procedure that replaces lost gum tissue.
* **Regenerative surgery.** This is a surgical procedure that encourages the growth of new gum tissue and bone.



Here are some additional tips for restoring gum health:

* Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
* Be careful not to brush too hard, as this can irritate your gums.
* Use a tongue scraper to remove plaque and bacteria from your tongue.
* Massage your gums gently with your toothbrush or fingers.
* Consider using an antiseptic mouthwash.


I Hope Your Query is clear now.
Thank You
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Saisudha Kotla
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr diwashish biswas

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1008 Questions

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Does The Gap Size Teeth Slowly Increase Over Time Doing Flossing ?

Brief Answer: Please see detailed answer Detailed Answer: Hi, Flossing should not push food into your gums and increase the gap size between your teeth. In fact, flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. If you are not flossing regularly, the plaque and food particles can build up and irritate your gums, leading to inflammation and gum disease. Gum disease can cause your gums to recede, which can create gaps between your teeth. **There are a few reasons why you may be experiencing gaps between your teeth as you get older:** * **Natural aging:** As we age, our teeth and gums naturally change. Our teeth can become less dense and more brittle, and our gums can recede. This can create gaps between the teeth. * **Gum disease:** Gum disease is a common infection that affects the gums and bones that support the teeth. **Flossing should not be the cause of the gaps between your teeth.** However, if you are not flossing properly, you may be irritating your gums and making the problem worse. Here are some tips for flossing properly: * Use a fresh piece of floss for each tooth. * Gently guide the floss between your teeth, using a sawing motion. * Curve the floss around the tooth in a C-shape and go below the gumline. * Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums. * Up and down strokes are not recommended, as they can push food and plaque under the gumline. **To answer your specific question:** >Does the gap size increase over time because of pushing food into gums because of flossing? **No, flossing should not push food into your gums and increase the gap size between your teeth.** If you are flossing properly, you should not be irritating your gums. However, if you are not flossing properly, you may be making the problem worse. I Hope Your Query is clear now. Thank You