You’re not alone if you find yourself answering “Not always” when you are asked about flossing your teeth by the dentist. You may have heard the importance of flossing many times before, but you might not pay attention when the dentist or dental assistant starts talking about it.
It’s hard to get into a habit because it is time-consuming, messy or one more thing to do.
What is the importance of flossing?
This part of your daily routine is well worth it. Your toothbrush cannot reach all areas of your mouth, including between your teeth. Therefore flossing daily is the best method to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth to prevent decay and gingivitis (inflammation or inflammation of the gum tissue).
It can also prevent bad breath by preventing bacteria from growing in hard-to-reach places.
Flossing is essential for maintaining healthy gums, and to preventing periodontal disease. Infections can be linked to your oral health. If you don’t floss or brush, you could become more susceptible to infections. Learn more about flossing and the benefits it has for your oral health in the Colgate Oral Care Resources.
What is a good flossing routine?
You might be asking yourself, “Should I floss every day?” According to dentists, flossing should be done at least once per day in order to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
Waxed floss is the best choice as it won’t snag between your teeth. To remove plaque, reduce gingivitis and prevent cavities, you should use a soft-bristle toothbrush twice daily.
While it is important to floss daily, what if you are having trouble flossing? There are many options to clean between your teeth.
First, floss picks and floss holders. These handy gadgets are quick and easy to use. Proxabrushes are a great option for those who don’t have much space. They have both a handle and a toothbrush that can be used to clean between your teeth. At the end of the day, you must admit how refreshed and just-been-to-the-dentist your mouth feels after good flossing.
What are the risks of not flossing?
You are at high risk of two serious dental problems if you don’t floss: gingivitis (gum disease) and cavities between your teeth. You can’t remove dental plaque buildup if you don’t floss.
The National Institutes of Health states that there are more than 700 types of bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria can cause inflammation of the gum tissue. This can lead to it becoming red, inflamed, and bleed easily. It can also breed more bacteria and lead to gingivitis.
A second risk to flossing is the possibility of cavities developing between your teeth. Gingivitis is caused by dental plaque. This can lead to harmful bacteria growth that damages the enamel between your teeth and forms a cavity.
As your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist and dental hygiene professional have been telling you for many years, flossing does make a big difference. Adding flossing to your daily routine is easy with the new appliances that make flossing easier and faster.