Get started flossing today
Ever since you were little, your dentist has probably tried very hard to convey to you the importance of flossing. And every visit you leave with a new box of floss and a mission. Experts, such as your dentist and the American Dental Association (ADA), say you should floss daily and yet only 30% of Americans actually do. There is much more to flossing than just fighting cavities. Get ready to use that trusty box of waxy string (or teflon) because today we’re going to go over the reasons you need to start flossing right now.
Reasons to Floss
Prevents Cavities/Tooth Decay
This is the most widely taught reason to floss from parents and dentists alike. Plaque, the white, film-like substance that forms on the surface of your teeth, has bacteria that feeds on the sugars in the foods you eat. These bacteria excrete harmful acids that eat away at your tooth enamel and can cause tooth decay. This corrodes teeth and causes cavities. By flossing, you remove the food particles from all of your teeth’s crevices that feed these bacteria and lead to tooth decay.
Helps Prevent Gum Disease/Periodontitis
The bacteria that can harm your tooth enamel can also cause problems for your gums. The acids the bacteria releases as a result of food stuck in your teeth can cause inflammation of the gums. This inflammation can lead to an infection known as gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease (periodontitis.) If left untreated, gum disease can cause a number of issues, such as heart disease and stroke, as well as tooth loss. Flossing daily is an integral part of your daily oral hygiene routine that helps you avoid gum disease before it starts.
Keeps Tartar Build Up At Bay
When plaque stays on your teeth too long (from not brushing or flossing enough) it hardens into a substance known as tartar. Tartar is harder to remove and can actually make it hard to effectively brush and floss as well. Once tartar has formed and built up on your teeth, you will need to go to the dentist to get it removed, because a toothbrush and floss won’t be able to penetrate and remove it. Tartar build up can push past your gum line and lead to a progressive form of gum disease. Brushing and flossing daily (and after big meals) is the best way to keep tartar at bay.
Helps Kill Bad Breath
Bad oral hygiene can not only cause gum disease and tooth decay, it also leads to chronic bad breath (called halitosis) that is hard to get rid of. Bacteria builds up in your mouth and without properly removing it via brushing and flossing, odors can build up from it, causing bad breath. Make sure to floss and brush daily, taking care to brush your tongue if your mouth is feeling particularly funky.
No More Bloody Gums
If your gums aren’t used to floss, they may bleed at first when you floss. While your gums may not be used to the stimulation of the floss, after about a week of regular consistent flossing, the bleeding should subside. Regular flossing improves gum health and will reduce any bleeding from the gums you have as long as you don’t have advanced periodontal disease. If you continue to experience bleeding gums for a prolonged period of time, visit your dentist, as you may be facing an oral infection that needs to be treated before it gets worse.
Methods of Flossing
- Water Flosser: Shoots water in a strong thin stream to clean between teeth.
- Proxy Brush: An interdental cleaner with bristles.
- String Floss: A waxed string that you pinch between fingers and clean teeth with.
- Floss Pick: A toothpick with a U-shaped hoop on one end, strung with floss.
- Air Flosser: Uses a stream of air to get out debris between teeth.
Flossing Tips
- Combine flossing with your nightly brushing and mouthwash routine for a smooth transition and see the results in just a matter of days.
- Introduce children to flossing as early as possible to get them used to the routine and feel of flossing. Children are more likely to enjoy using a water flosser or airfloss.
- Make sure to floss correctly with whatever method you are using. You can hurt your gums if you aren’t careful.
- Always choose ADA (American Dental Association) certified products.
Conclusion
While visiting your dentist every six months is very important to your dental routine, just as important is twice-daily brushing and flossing to maintain good oral hygiene and keep gum disease, bad breath and even heart disease away. Taking care of your teeth is essential for a wonderful, bright smile every day.
Show Off That Healthy Smile
Mountain and Sea Dental takes a holistic approach to dentistry and makes sure you leave with a smile on your face every visit. We recognize that every system in your body is connected. We aim to offer outstanding whole person oral care that takes your body and health into consideration. We listen to your health goals and work with you to make sure you are flossing and brushing correctly and often enough. Don’t settle for less than quality care. You and your family are worth it — contact us today to book an appointment.