When it comes to oral hygiene, most people know they should brush their teeth at least twice a day. But what about flossing? Do you really need to floss your teeth every day? The answer is a resounding yes!
Keep reading to learn more about why flossing is important and how it can benefit your overall health.
The Benefits of Flossing
Flossing gets rid of plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum disease and other serious dental problems. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth and contains millions of bacteria. A build-up of plaque can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease (periodontal disease).
Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach, such as in between your teeth and under your gum line. This helps to keep your gums healthy and your teeth clean.
Flossing also helps to prevent bad breath by getting rid of the plaque and food particles that get trapped between your teeth. People who floss regularly tend to have fresher-smelling breath than those who do not floss at all. In fact, many people report that they feel more confident after they have flossed because they know their breath smells great!
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. It occurs when plaque and tartar are not removed from the teeth, causing the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily. If left untreated, gum disease can damage the bones and tissues that support the teeth. Regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene habits are essential to preventing gum disease.
Studies have shown that gum disease is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. While good oral health won’t prevent heart disease altogether, it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums for your overall health.
Step-By-Step Guide to Flossing Correctly
Now that you know all the benefits of flossing let’s talk about the proper flossing technique. You’ll need a piece of waxed floss that’s about 18 inches long. You may choose to use unwaxed floss, but be aware that it may fray and break more easily.
Start by wrapping most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about an inch or two of floss to work with. Next, holding the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it up and down against the side of the tooth. Curve the floss in a c shape up into the gum line around the base of each tooth. Be sure to floss gently with a back-and-forth motion, and don’t snap the floss into your gums. If you have sensitive gums, you may experience a bit of bleeding when you first start flossing regularly. This is normal and should resolve after a week or two.
When you’re finished flossing all of your teeth, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste. Finish off with mouthwash for an extra boost of freshness.
Flossing with Braces
If you have braces, you may find it helpful to use a floss threader, which is a small, flexible piece of plastic with a loop on one end. The loop goes around the main wire, and the floss is pulled through the loop to help guide it under the wire and between your teeth. You may find it easier to use a water flosser if you have braces. A water flosser is a small, handheld device that shoots a stream of water at your teeth to remove plaque and bacteria. Good dental hygiene is very important when you have braces, so be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly.
Teeth Cleaning in Denver
As you can see, there are many good reasons to make flossing a part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Not only does daily flossing help prevent dental problems like cavities and gum disease, but it can also improve your overall health. So what are you waiting for? Grab a pack of dental floss and get started today!
Daily oral hygiene is important, and so are regular visits to the dentist. If it’s been a while since your last dental exam and cleaning, call Dewitt Dental at (303) 321-5656 or complete the online booking form to schedule an appointment. We look forward to being your dentist in Denver!