There’s a saying in dentistry, “only floss the ones you want to keep.” So, take a second to think about that. Would you want to lose any of your teeth?
If you want them to last, you must make brushing and flossing a daily habit, along with regular professional cleanings at the dentist. Flossing is a crucial step in the care of your teeth, because brushing twice a day is not enough.
Flossing is a must. Why? Because brushing does not clean the whole tooth. Brushing alone only cleans 60% of a tooth, but flossing can reach the surfaces your toothbrush can’t reach.
When food particles are left between your teeth, bacteria can use that decaying food to form cavities in those areas. Cavities between teeth are difficult to fix and can lead to crowns and root canals. These procedures are time consuming and costly. Food debris left between your teeth can also lead to bad breath.
You can also make your teeth look brighter by keeping stains from developing between your teeth. Many people may use water flossers, such as the name brand Waterpik, to clean between their teeth. These are good for removing bacteria around your gums and under bridges and dental work, but you still need to use traditional floss to protect against cavities between teeth.
Follow these steps to make sure you’re getting the most out of flossing:
– Hug the floss tight to the side of your tooth
– Rub the floss gently up and down against the side of each tooth
– Make sure the floss reaches the base of each tooth
Here is a demonstration from the American Dental Association: www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing
Healthy teeth increase your quality of life. Your daily routine should include brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing before bed. If you don’t already do this, it’s time to start. I know it can be difficult to change dental hygiene habits, but it’s far worse to lose teeth to decay and disease.
Have more dental questions? You can call Dr. Bullard at (864) 520-2942 or schedule to make your appointment. You can also find out even more information by visiting their website at www.greenvilledentalstudio.com and follow along via Facebook and Instagram.