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FAQ: Gums

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Question:
Gums and Flossing: Wen I floss, I push it up til the gum sort of moves. Can they permanently be pushed up by flossing hard? .... Visitor from CA

Answer:
You are probably flossing correctly. The tooth and gum tissue do not meet directly.

The gum meets the tooth, then attaches about 1-3 mm below where it looks like it meets, sort of like a turtleneck around the tooth. It is important to floss into this area (called the sulcus) because this is where bacteria that cause gum disease reside.

Just be careful to floss gently into this area to not injure the sensitive tissue.

Hope this helps.

Corinne Scalzitti, DMD, MAGD
Austin Reconstructive Implant Dentistry
3900 RR 620 South
Austin, Texas TX 78738
(512) 263-3330

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