Every time you visit our office, we remind you to floss every day! In this blog post, we discuss why flossing is a key component of your at-home oral hygiene routine.
Prevents Decay, Gum Disease, Bad Breath & Discoloration
Flossing removes plaque from hard-to-reach areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. Less plaque means less risk of cavities, gum disease, stinky breath, and yellowing teeth.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that clings to the teeth and collects around the gum line and between the teeth. If left alone, this bacteria will accumulate, feast upon your dietary sugar, and produce damaging acids that wear down your enamel and cause decay.
Built-up plaque will also irritate gums, causing inflammation and recession. These can lead to infection, tooth loss, and even contribute to systemic health issues like widespread inflammation, heart disease, respiratory infections, and dementia.
The accumulation of plaque and food particles between the teeth and under the gum line will also cause stinky breath and yellowing of your teeth. Nobody wants that!
How Often Should You Floss?
Get into the habit of flossing every day. It’s your decision whether you floss in the morning or before bed, and before or after brushing. The most important thing is that you just do it!
Many patients find that a water flosser, a neat gadget that uses pressurized water to blast away plaque and food particles, makes flossing feel like less of a chore.
Top-Notch Dental Care in Farmington, AR
At Farmington Dental and Orthodontics, we’re here to help you have excellent dental health. Our friendly and experienced team can provide additional tips on how to best care for your teeth between dental visits so that your teeth and gums will be healthy and strong.
Need an appointment? Contact us today to schedule. We look forward to seeing you!