Brushing is an effective way to clean visible areas of your mouth. How about the hard-to-reach surfaces of your teeth? Flossing helps to remove debris between the teeth and along the gum line. If you fail to remove food particles from these areas, plaque will build up, leading to gum disease. According to the American Dental Association, flossing at least once a day helps to remove food debris and plaque, thus preventing tooth decay and gum diseases.
When Should You Floss?
Flossing and brushing work together to keep plaque at bay and ensure oral health. However, the cleaning technique you start with matters a lot. For instance, when you floss last, the food particles you will dislodge between your teeth will remain until the next time your brush. This allows the food particles to remain in contact with your gums and teeth, giving the bacteria room to contribute to gum diseases.
In this case, flossing before your brush is more effective. Flossing helps to dislodge food particles and other debris in hard-to-reach places, leaving them ready to be removed by the toothbrush. The best time to floss will depend on your personal preferences. Would you like to floss in the morning or before bed? Choose a convenient time to floss your teeth. With this, you will have a new healthy habit.
What Happens If You Ignore Flossing?
Failure to floss daily can put you at risk of gum diseases and tooth cavities. If you ignore flossing, bacteria and food particles will create a filmy residue called plaque. The plaque then releases acids that can lead to cavities. If left untreated, plaque will harden and build up along the gum line, causing gum diseases. A good way to reduce plaque and prevent gum diseases and cavities is by flossing daily. If you are still unsure about the benefits of flossing daily, our professionals will help you understand why you need to floss regularly.
Location
Northview Family Dental 1121 E. Westview Ct. Spokane, WA 99218-1319