We are taught from an early age to brush and floss every day to keep our teeth and mouth healthy, yet over half of all Americans don’t floss. Many people believe that as long as they brush twice a day that they are cleaning their teeth, yet this isn’t necessarily true. While brushing cleans most of the surface areas of your teeth, there are still places your toothbrush can’t reach. Not flossing is leaving thirty percent of your teeth unclean, which is why the dentists at White Park Dental focus on helping their patients learn the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene at home.
The Importance of Flossing
The purpose of flossing is to remove the plaque and bacteria that gathers in the areas of your mouth that a toothbrush cannot reach such as in the gaps between your teeth and in between your teeth and gums. Floss will loosen up the plaque buildup so that saliva and water can rinse it away. If plaque isn’t removed, it can turn into tarter and calculus which cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. This tarter can cause gum irritation and inflammation, making the gum pull away from your teeth and gingivitis to set in.
Gingivitis is the beginning of gum disease when it can still be reversed before it causes irreparable damage to your gums. If gingivitis isn’t treated right away it can develop into periodontal disease. When you get periodontal disease, the gums begin to recede and the bone will begin to disintegrate. Severe periodontal disease can cause you to lose your teeth because the gum and bone will recede to the point they can no longer hold your tooth in place.
Flossing will also help people who suffer from bad breath. When food particles and bacteria isn’t removed from your mouth it can cause severe bad breath or leave a bad taste in your mouth. Mouthwash is often thought to be helpful in getting rid of bad breath, but it can only help reduce the bacteria that causes it. Bad breath can be cured with proper oral care, including regular brushing and flossing.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene with our Concord, NH Dental Office
Don’t skip flossing during your oral care routine. Flossing is key when it comes to having a clean and beautiful smile. For those living in the Concord, NH area that would like more information about the importance of daily flossing, White Park Dental is just a phone call away!