Is Flossing Really That Important?

Posted on: 4 November 2019

Flossing is a step that most dentists view as vital for the health of teeth, and this is because of the way it cleans hard-to-reach parts of the mouth. If you currently do not floss regularly, you may want to start making this a habit, as it is very important.

The benefits it offers

When you floss, you are basically cleaning areas of your teeth and gums that you cannot reach when you use a toothbrush. The main thing here is that this does is clean off the plaque in these areas, which are basically the areas between your teeth. These areas are prone to plaque buildup, simply because of their location and the fact that they are hard to get to.

The problem is that failing to remove all this plaque could cause you to develop gum disease. If you have gum disease, it is an infection in your gums, and this infection can spread through the rest of your body, and even into your heart. Cleaning these areas of your mouth with floss will help you prevent this problem, cavities, and other issues in your mouth and body.

The best time to floss

You should aim to floss your teeth at least once a day, but the best time is before bed. Flossing before bed gives you teeth a good cleaning that will last all night and will help protect your teeth while you sleep. You may also want to floss after meals, especially if you feel like you have food trapped between any of your teeth.

The types of floss you can use

There are different types of floss products you can use, and the most common type is traditional wax floss. This type comes in a long roll, and you will have to cut a piece off to use. You can also buy flossing picks, which are great for people who cannot master the right techniques required with regular floss. You could also consider using a water floss system. Some dentists believe this offers the best type of flossing for your teeth and mouth, but the choice is up to you.

Flossing your teeth might not be something you like doing, but it is something that is important. If you would like to learn more about this subject or other ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy, talk to a dentist today and schedule a dental cleaning.

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