Flossing Your Teeth – Tips & Benefits Of Flossing
The majority of dental check-ups will likely have your dentist ask if flossing has been a regular part of your daily routing. Many patients will confirm that it is however surprisingly, some patients will indicate that it is not part of their regular daily oral care routine.
Daily flossing significantly helps maintaining good oral health. Most of the time, the brushing cleans the exterior parts of the teeth and the gums, but will often leave some food stuck between teeth. Flossing, on the other hand will allow patients to clean parts between the teeth and areas around the gums which are not reachable by a toothbrush. Dental floss is designed to clean these narrow areas between teeth and gums.
Good oral health contributes significantly to one’s overall health, if followed as a daily regimen, this practice would contribute to a healthier smile, brighter smile. Apart from achieving a great smile, brushing and flossing provides much more benefits which can help provide an overall good state of dental health.
Flossing your teeth is important for the prevention of cavities and tooth decay. When small pieces of food get stuck between your teeth, they can create a place for bacteria to grow and this may lead to causing the build up of plaque over time. Patients that floss regularly are far less prone to develop a cavity because flossing removes the plaque and particles of food causing the disintegration of the teeth.
Another key benefit of flossing is the prevention of gum disease. Plaque accumulation below the gum line can lead to gingivitis—a red, swelling, often bleeding inflammation of the gums.
If not treated, it can progress into periodontitis, in which the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming gum recession and “pockets” between teeth and gums. Flossing helps in preventing the development of gum disease.
In addition to promoting good oral health, flossing also offers several cosmetic and social benefits. The accumulation of food particles can rot. Rotting food particles result in bad breath. When a patient is flossing the particles from the teeth and gums, they are able avoid bad breath or halitosis by removing them.
The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional care. Please consult your physician or dentist for advice and diagnoses so you can be properly treated for your specific situation.