Yes! Flossing is certainly good for your teeth and an important part of general dentistry care. We know, you’ve heard it before, but it’s really true. Here are some of the reasons we encourage our patients to floss once a day, every day:
- Flossing dislodges stuck pieces of food. Let’s start with the obvious: No one likes the feeling of a piece of food stuck between their teeth, and most people worry that other people will see food in their teeth. Flossing removes the debris so you can feel comfortable and confident.
- Flossing reduces dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria. It’s always forming on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acid as they break down the starches and carbohydrates in the food you eat. The acid in plaque is what eats away at your tooth enamel, eventually forming cavities. Flossing removes food debris and reduces plaque buildup, thereby preventing cavities.
- Flossing prevents bad breath. Removing old bits of food and plaque can improve your breath. There may be another cause of chronic bad breath, such as a tooth abscess or gum disease, so it’s important to let the dentist know if this is a problem you deal with.
- Flossing reduces your risk of gum disease. When plaque forms below the gumline it can lead to gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis worsens when unaddressed. Flossing – along with brushing twice a day – is a good way to reduce your risk of gum disease. When you floss, curve the strand around the contour of the tooth and gently floss all the way down to just below the gumline, making sure to floss away anything that is right below the gums.
For these reasons, it’s important to floss every day. It doesn’t take too much time and you should consider it the other half of your brushing routine. Our experienced dentists are happy to discuss ways you can improve your flossing technique and ensure it remains a part of your routine.
Dental Visits Should Also Be a Part of Your Routine
Along with brushing and flossing, visiting the dentist for teeth hygiene and checkups ensures your oral health is maintained. If you live in or near Greenville, SC, and are searching for an experienced, friendly, and skilled dental team to provide your care, please call Flatrock Family Dentistry at (864) 756-5576.