The Key To Excellent Oral Health Includes Flossing

If You Want A Beautiful Smile, Pay Attention To Your Flossing Habits

When was the last time you actually flossed? Was it today or yesterday? If it was, that puts you in an elite category of people concerned about their oral health. According to a study by the CDC, only one third of Americans are flossing their teeth on a daily basis. 

On the other side of the scale, about 37% floss intermittently and 32% never floss at all. While one third sounds like a decent percentage for those who floss, the American Dental Association estimates that those numbers are way lower…more like 10%.

Whether it’s one third or one tenth, when it comes to tooth decay and gum disease, the numbers are no where near what they should be. If you have gotten used to being chastised for not flossing when you go in for your routine dental exam, just kow your dental hygenist is only watching out for you.

While it may not be the most fun activity of your regualr nighttime routine, flossing plays a key role in preventing tooth decay and tooth loss and can make all the difference in keeping your mouth healthy.

What Does Good Oral Hygiene Include?

We have all been told that brushing twice daily is how to have a great smile. However, that is only one piece of the puzzle. If you truly want a healthy mouth, consider adding the complete list of tasks below.

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss your teeth at least once a day
• Pay attentin to good nutrition
• Visit your Spring Hill, Florida dentist every six months for teeth cleaning

We know life can get busy and skipping out on the flossing or even on making your dentist appointments can seem trivial in the grand scheme of things. However, regular flossing can mean less time at the dentist correcting major problems later. So, it may be worth taking the extra two or three minutes to floss, not to mention these other benefits.

• Regular flossing helps keep your teeth white
• Eliminates bad breath
• Contributes to proper speech
• Allows you eat a variety of foods

Flossing Helps Your Teeth And Gums Stay Healthy

Brushing your teeth serves two main functions in keeping your teeth healthy. First, it removes the plaque that has built up and second, gets rid of any food debris that is left over after chewing. Your toothbrush is great at being able to get at the surface of your tooth, but it can’t get between the teeth or behind the gumline.

When you avoid flossing, the plaque build up and food debris sits between your teeth. This build up contains harmful bacteria, which eats away at the enamel of your teeth and wears it down. This same bacteria can also harm your gums in the same way.  When flossing is not part of your regular dental health habits, you may be putting yourself at risk for a number of dental health issues.

• Cavities
• Tartar buildup
• Gingivitis
• Tooth decay
• Periodontal disease

Regular Flossing Gets Easier The More You Do It

No matter what your age is, flossing will make a noticable contribution to your dental hygiene. One of the most common complaints we hewar from our patients is that their teeth bleed when they floss. Your gums are sensitive and if you are not accustomed to regular flossing, your gums will probably bleed. However, this will dissapate over time with dialy flossing habits.

You will also notice that your teeth look whiter as you floss more often. You may even find that you get better and faster at the process the more you do it, which ultimately makes it no big deal to add to your nightly routine.

Talk To Us About Proper Flossing Techniques

Whether you have questions about flossing or want to take your dental health to new heights, come see the dental experts at The Dental and Denture Care Center. Juan C. Fabrega, DDS and his team will make sure you get the care you need.

When you are ready for superior dental care, please call The Dental and Denture Care Center at (352) 848-1050 or contact us through our website here to schedule your next dental exam today. Our team of dental experts are here to give you the best smile of your life.