Flossing is considered by many to be optional in our overall oral health practice. We think brushing already does an efficient job at cleaning our teeth. However, like anything else, brushing can only do so much to ensure good oral hygiene. Thus, top dentists in San Antonio, TX, would tell you flossing is an integral part of good oral hygiene and not exactly optional.
What is Flossing, and How Often Should You Do It?
Flossing is a partner to brushing in maintaining the health and beauty of your pearly whites. It removes interdental plaque, which your toothbrush may not be able to reach. There’s no specific time of the day where flossing is best. Some people prefer to do it in the morning to start the day with clean teeth. Others prefer to do it before bedtime so that no bacteria are left overnight to lurk and play. Ultimately, flossing must be done once daily.
There are no strict rules as well whether it should come before brushing or after. A 2018 study, however, suggests it’s better to do it before brushing for better results. Flossing softens plaque build-up in between teeth and brushing afterward completely removes these particles away.
Additionally, one important thing to remember when flossing is to not apply too much force. Forceful flossing may destroy the enamel in your teeth, which acts as a protective layer covering each tooth. Thus, you can’t floss too much; you can only floss incorrectly.
Benefits Of Flossing
Preventative Oral Care
Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, good and bad. And unless you brush your teeth twice daily, these bacteria will continue to enjoy living in the comforts of your mouth. However, bacteria are rather sneaky and can hide in tiny structures and crevices, thereby making it hard for toothbrushes to reach them. Therefore, flossing does the rest of the job. Using an interdental cleaner, food debris and bacteria are removed from areas where brushing can’t access.
Prevents Tartar Buildup and Bad Breath
Bacteria can form colonies in tiny areas between your teeth and gum lines, and it’s not long before plaques turn into calculus. If left unattended, tartar can harden, making it difficult to remove by flossing. Food debris stuck in these areas may also contain bacteria, which give off a bad odor and may lead to gum diseases. Regular flossing ensures cleaner interdental and gum line areas.
Works in Unison with Brushing
Studies show that brushing without flossing leaves 35% of the teeth uncleaned. It’s because bristles can’t access far deeper areas of the teeth. Flossing, on the other hand, can remove food debris trapped in tiny spaces between your teeth with ease. Maintaining good oral health practices avoids bigger problems, most of which are more expensive and more invasive.
Contact a Top Dentist in San Antonio, TX Today
Good oral health practice starts at home and must be done right. Forgetting to brush and floss your teeth equates to poor oral hygiene, which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss for kids and adults alike. Brushing, partnered with flossing, does so much more to maintain the health and beauty of your teeth and gums.
Do you want to know more about tooth and gum care? We at Leon Springs Dental Center cater to all your dental needs and woes. Call us today, and we’d be happy to give you your best smile.
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Dr. Carolyn B. WalkerOur TeamLeon Springs Dental CenterFull-Mouth ReconstructionRoot Canal TherapyScaling and Root Planing