Why Flossing is Important

Everyone has heard before from their dentist how important it is to floss. This article seeks to inform people of the different reasons why and what to expect from flossing. It will certainly help you spend less time at the Sun City Dentist trying to deal with tooth decay.

Every year, twice a year, people hear how important it is to floss from their dentists.  Most of the time dentists don’t even elaborate as to why we should floss.  No matter how much we’d all like them to be wrong, flossing is a big preventative step to dealing with common oral diseases.

Flossing Deters

Just like brushing, flossing is a preventive measure to insure good oral health.  Not only does bacteria and plaque buildup on teeth, but there is plenty that gets stuck between them as well.

This is the plaque to worry about.  Without frequent flossing the plaque sticks around and continues to build.  This leads to cavities and gum disease.  Cavities require drilling and fillings, but gum disease requires much more.

Gum disease causes painful inflammation and if not dealt with quickly can spread deep down into the bone root causing deterioration.  Once the tooth is lost the easiest solution to regaining your smile and jaw function is teeth implants.

Youthful

Flossing helps keep that youthful look in a quality smile.  By preventing gum disease it increases the aesthetics of your smile for a longer duration.  Although the gratification of flossing isn’t instantaneous you will notice a difference in the long run. The best way to floss is by wrapping the floss around each tooth and flossing in an up and down motion between each tooth. You may find that your gums are sore at first but with a daily routine, the inflammation will subside along with the soreness.

Things to expect

Just like any other habit it takes time to get use to flossing on a daily basis.  If you have to put a sticky note on your toothpaste every day to remind yourself then do it. A little bit of blood at first is normal because the gums are irritated from the plaque.  However if it doesn’t subside in a few days make an appointment with your Sun City dentist. Everyone should be flossing their teeth daily for the same reasons they brush them.  Not only does it keep your oral hygiene good, but it keeps you smiling and looking younger for longer.