How many times have you walked into the dentist, sat down in the chair and been asked: “When was the last time you flossed?” You lay there with fingers in your mouth and mumble “Uhh. You were there.” Probably most times. The majority of people don’t understand how vital flossing is.
Well, you’re about to find out.
Flossing
Flossing is more than just trying to make your smile pretty and breath fresh. Although it does those things too. The primary goal of flossing is to remove the buildup of plaque between your teeth and underneath the gums. “Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains millions of bacteria.”
Did you know that the hard-to-reach spots in your mouth are where the most destructive bacteria live? “Failure to floss can result in numerous nasty scenarios, including bad breath, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), plaque, tartar, cavities and even eventual bone breakdown.”
Yikes, that sounds pretty intense, doesn’t it?
Regular flossing also helps prevent cavities because the bacteria doesn’t have time to build up if you make it a daily habit.
Brushing
Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the front and back of your teeth. While it gets those parts of your teeth nice and clean, it leaves the sides of your teeth and gums susceptible to those nasty bacteria.
Brushing for two minutes twice a day will go a long way in keeping your mouth healthy. But when combined with flossing, you keep your mouth as healthy as it can be.
If you want your teeth and gums to last your entire life, flossing and brushing should be a part of your daily routine. You should also be visiting the dentist every six months for professional cleaning and oral exams. If it’s time for a visit, give us a call!
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