A healthy smile and overall well-being depend on maintaining proper dental hygiene. To maintain general health and well-being, one must practice proper dental hygiene. Most people are used to brushing their teeth twice a day, but what about flossing? Flossing is frequently neglected or ignored, which might result in issues with your oral health.
We’ll go into more detail regarding flossing in this blog article and answer the query: “Do you really need to floss every day?”
What is Flossing?
Cleaning the areas between your teeth and the gumline using dental floss, which is a thin, threadlike material, is referred to as flossing. While flossing reaches the regions that your toothbrush can’t reach, brushing helps eliminate plaque and food particles from the surfaces of your teeth. These regions, sometimes referred to as interdental or interproximal gaps, are ideal locations for the bacterial and plaque accumulation that can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Benefits of Flossing
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Plaque, a bacterial film that sticks to the teeth, is removed by flossing before it can turn into tartar and cause gum disease and tooth damage.
- Prevention of Gum Disease: By eliminating germs and debris from the gum line and reducing inflammation and infection, flossing lowers the risk of gum disease.
- Fresh Breath: Flossing removes germs and food particles that have become stuck in the teeth, preventing bad breath and encouraging fresher breath.
- Cavity Prevention: By eliminating plaque and food particles from difficult-to-reach places, flossing helps prevent cavities when used in conjunction with routine brushing.
Do You Really Need to Floss Every Day?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends including daily flossing in your dental hygiene routine. Even though brushing is essential, only 60% of the tooth surfaces are really cleaned. By getting to the remaining spots, flossing prevents plaque development and lowers the chance of dental problems.
Your dentist near you can recommend flossing once a day as part of your oral hygiene routine. Here’s why:
Consistency is Key: Within 24 to 48 hours, plaque begins to harden and transform into tartar. Therefore, frequent flossing is essential to avoid plaque development, ideally once per day.
Tailored Approach: Based on specific dental requirements, some people might need to floss more frequently. Your dentist can advise you on how frequently to floss.
Alternative Options: Alternative interdental cleaning instruments, including interdental brushes or water flossers, can be utilized as efficient substitutes if regular flossing is difficult for you. For assistance determining which choice is best for you, consult with your dentist.
Challenges with Flossing
Technique
When flossing properly, the floss should be moved up and down to clean the sides of the teeth and should be softly guided between teeth. It could take some work to become proficient in the method, but it’s worthwhile.
Types of Floss
There are several types of floss, including waxed, unwaxed, flavoured, and tape. Making the appropriate choice to fit your tastes and dental requirements will improve your flossing experience.
Alternatives to Traditional Floss
If traditional flossing is challenging, alternatives can be considered:
- Interdental Brushes: These little brushes work well for persons who have wider gaps in their teeth and may be used to clean in-between teeth.
- Water Flossers: Water flossers use a stream of water to clean in and around the gum line and between teeth. For people with braces or dental implants, this technique can be effective.
What Happens If You Don’t Floss?
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque, a bacterial film that sticks to teeth, is removed with the aid of flossing. Tartar, which can only be removed by a dental expert, can form if plaque is not routinely eliminated. The risk of gum disease and tooth decay is increased by tartar formation.
Gum Disease
Plaque accumulation is the major cause of gum disease. Ineffective plaque removal can cause gingivitis by irritating and inflaming the gums. Gums that are red, swollen, and bleeding are signs of gingivitis. If neglected, it can advance to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can cause bone loss, gum recession, and tooth loss.
Cavities
Flossing lowers the risk of cavities by removing food particles and germs from between teeth. These particles may stay lodged if you don’t floss frequently, creating a haven for acid-producing bacteria. These acids destroy tooth enamel, which causes cavities to develop.
Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by food particles and germs that get stuck between teeth. By removing these odor-producing elements from your mouth with floss, you can maintain clean and fresh breath.
Poor Aesthetic Appearance
Your teeth may seem yellow and dull due to plaque and tartar accumulation. Gum disease that has advanced stages can cause teeth to move or become loose, which can seem unattractive when you smile.
Increased Risk of Systemic Health Issues
Numerous chronic health issues have been related to poor dental hygiene, particularly irregular flossing. Specifically gum disease has been linked to a higher risk of diabetes, respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes.
It’s essential to remember that brushing your teeth won’t completely clean the gaps between them and along the gum line. A thorough oral hygiene routine should not be neglected and should include flossing. While the technique may take some practice, the benefits of flossing are well worth the effort. By incorporating regular flossing into your daily habits, you can help prevent these potential oral health consequences and maintain a healthy mouth.
Consult with our expert dentist in grande prairie, if you want to learn more tips about maintaining your oral health. We also offer quality dental care treatment in a comfortable environment to address your dental issues.
