From an early age, we learn the habits to keep our teeth and gums healthy and happy. Those habits include brushing every day, regular visits to our dental offices for a checkup and flossing daily.
The one habit that many do not understand and fail to follow through on is flossing. They may not realize the ways that flossing helps them improve their oral health. A little knowledge can help them understand the importance of flossing.
What Does It Do?
The biggest danger to the teeth and gums is the buildup of plaque. Plaque is the result of bacterial growth of the teeth and gums that is not removed through brushing and flossing. Many may think they are doing enough to control the plaque when they brush their teeth, but they don’t realize all the bacteria they leave behind.
It is like the dust buildup in a house. You may think you clean all the dust that you see, but if you run a vacuum cleaner, you will see how much you missed. The floss is like the vacuum cleaner. It helps remove the bacteria that you cannot see. When done properly, flossing can help keep teeth whiter and brighter.
Flossing and the Gums
One of the reasons that someone stops flossing is that they notice their gums bleed after flossing. They blame it on the floss, but the bleeding is more likely a result of a problem with the gums. Flossing can actually help improve gum health and reduce the amount of bleeding gums that occur.
Flossing can help prevent gum disease and is part of the treatment for gingivitis. It is something that everyone needs to include if they want to have healthy and happy teeth and gums. Instead of finding reasons not to floss, it is better to look for the reasons to do it.
For more information about this or any other oral health issue, contact our office to schedule an appointment.