Characteristics of a Cavity

Cavities are just about as common as a cold and although they mostly occur in children, adults need to be aware of them too. It isn’t unusual for bacteria to be found in your mouth, however, when bacteria mixes with acid, food pieces and saliva in the mouth it creates a sticky substance called plaque. The acids in plaque damage the enamel covering your teeth, and create holes in the tooth called cavities. Although our doctors at Flossophy Dental offer a variety of filling options for cavities, we would prefer you avoid them altogether.

Developing cavities is a process and they just don’t appear overnight. In the early stages, tooth decay can be stopped. The best way to prevent cavities is by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth and the best way to do this is by brushing and flossing daily. Cavities caught in the very early stages can be reversed, however, caries that have destroyed enamel cannot. It is important to schedule a professional cleaning with our doctors every six months to reduce your risk of tooth decay.

If you suspect you have a cavity, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.

The Proper Flossing Technique

Gum disease begins at the gum line and between teeth which is why you should floss at least once a day. Flossing is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums and helps remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. Believe it or not, flossing is more than just running string between your teeth to get the foods particles out, there is a proper flossing technique and our staff at Flossophy Dental would like to share it with you.

• Wind 18” of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a 1”-2” length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.


• Keep a 1”-2” length of floss tight between fingers. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.


• Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. Gently wrap floss around the side of the tooth.


• Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.

If you have questions about how to maintain your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333. 

How to Brush Properly

Even though we’ve been brushing our teeth for as long as we can remember, many of us might be surprised to learn that we’re not doing it properly. Our dentists at Flossophy dental can’t stand behind you while you brush at home, but they can provide you with the proper brushing technique to assure that you achieve the cleanest smile possible.

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.


• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.


• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.


• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Of course brushing your teeth is only part of a complete dental care routine. You should also make sure to clean between teeth daily with floss and visit us regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

If you have questions about how to maintain your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about services provided here at the office, visit www.flossophydental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Flossophy Dental in Edmonton, AB, call 780-306-9333.