Since you were a small child, you have probably been told just how important it is to take good care of your teeth and brush them regularly. Unfortunately, due to our manual dexterity and the time it takes to FLOSS all our teeth, many people believe that brushing is just enough and have been in the habit of not flossing since childhood. While brushing your teeth is very likely part of your regular morning and evening routine now, somewhere along the way, flossing has gotten lost in the shuffle as something you may rarely, if ever, do. If this is the case, you should know why flossing your teeth is as important as brushing your teeth for your overall health.
Since there are five surfaces to each tooth that needs cleaning, your brush can clean 3 of the five surfaces. However, the other two surfaces, the between the teeth area, can ONLY be cleaned via flossing and, of course, the proper flossing to hug the tooth.
Most decays, gum and periodontal disease, halitosis, failure in your dental crowns or veneers, failure of cosmetic dentistry treatments, and recurrent cavities start due to lack of flossing, and other aids such as water, can not substitute flossing.
How Flossing Can Affect Your Health
When you floss your teeth, you will take the extra steps to help your teeth, gums, and body stay healthy beyond simply brushing. Brushing your teeth alone will not help you get rid of all of the plaque buildup between your teeth from eating and regular use. Foods that stay in the small crevices and gaps between your teeth become lodges in and, over time, if not removed properly, lead to significant plaque buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities, and gingivitis. In some cases documented, the plaque buildup can cause and exacerbate certain conditions such as heart problems, pulmonary disease, and other systemic diseases. When you floss, you help to keep these areas clean and healthy, making your gums pinker and healthier and preventing plaque from forming. Bacteria growing exponentially between teeth can be disturbed only via dental flossing and disturbing the growth.
How to go About flossing
It is often recommended that you floss your teeth twice or three times a day, just like you would brush your teeth, and you can combine the two into one habit so you get used to doing it at least every morning and evening. It is preferable to brush and floss after every meal, and this will help to prevent plaque and tartar from forming between your teeth and keep your teeth, gums, and bone health and, of course, looking great. If you are unsure of the proper techniques for flossing, be sure to ask your dental hygienist or dentist on your next visit, and they will be happy to show you the proper method for effective flossing.
Since flossing is as important as brushing your teeth, it is a good habit for you to get into for your health and protection. When you do both practices regularly, you will be sure that you always have healthier teeth, gums, and the underlying bone that supports your teeth’ foundation. Proper oral hygiene is a MUST if you want to keep your teeth.
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