Why is Flossing Important?
There are multiple important elements to proper dental hygiene. Most people know that regular brushing is key, and many use mouthwash as well. But many people still fail to recognize that regular flossing is needed as well.
Why You Need to Practice Good Dental Hygiene
Cavities and tooth decay, gum inflammation and bleeding, and pain in your teeth and gums are caused by deposits of plaque and tartar, which are caused by bacteria, which are caused by what you eat and drink. Basically, little tiny bits of food get left behind in your mouth as you eat, and if not dealt with can gradually rot and cause a lot of damage.
So, you need to get rid of as much of these leftover particles as you can, as soon as you can. When you brush your teeth properly, you remove much of this material, and when you slosh mouthwash around in your mouth, you get some more of it. But you still may be leaving enough particles to do significant damage if you do not floss as well.
Why You Need to Floss
Even the best toothbrush cannot get at all the spots in your mouth where harmful bacteria can breed. There are numerous little nooks and crannies in your teeth and between your teeth that your brush cannot reach. But a lot of those spots dental floss can reach.
If you look closely, you may even be able to see some of the debris between your teeth that’s still there after brushing. Also, when you floss, you can sometimes see on the used floss the little bits of old food that it dislodged from between your teeth.
So after you brush thoroughly, take your dental floss and carefully work it in between and around all of your teeth, top and bottom. Just a few seconds in each space between your teeth is generally enough. Then use mouthwash and work it around your mouth. This can get anything that perhaps the brushing and flossing loosened but did not quite remove.
If you do all that, then you can expect to have healthier teeth and gums. But remember, don’t leave out the flossing. Flossing is a key part of the process of combatting the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and sensitive, bleeding, painful gums.
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment with your Hewlett, NY dentist, please call our office today at (516) 239-6204.
