When it comes to following an oral hygiene routine, you may have no problems brushing your teeth daily. But what about flossing? Do you tend to skip flossing because you think it’s not that important?
While brushing can efficiently remove food particles and plaque from the teeth, a toothbrush mostly reaches the main surface of your teeth. It is harder to reach between your teeth and under your gums with only the bristles of a toothbrush. Floss cleans between the teeth and under the gums to clear away the pesky plaque that a toothbrush has trouble reaching.
Benefits of Flossing
Despite what you may think, flossing every day is an essential part of taking care of your oral health! Flossing helps get rid of plaque, which will prevent tartar (hardened plaque) from building up. Otherwise, the accumulation of these toxic substances can irritate your gums and cause gum disease, tooth sensitivity, bad breath, discoloration, infection, and decay. Flossing will also protect you from having something embarrassing stuck in your teeth! These issues can all contribute to anxiety and depression.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. This bacteria eats your dietary sugar and produces acidic byproducts that damage your enamel, the outer layer of teeth. Weakened enamel increases your risk for cavities, which are areas of permanent enamel damage. While early-stage tooth decay can be reversed with improved oral hygiene and a healthy diet, severe tooth decay can require a filling, root canal therapy, a dental crown, or even a tooth extraction to preserve your oral health.
Preventive Dentistry in Liberty, MO
If you struggle with flossing or maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine, schedule an appointment with our team at Seaport Family Dentistry. We would be happy to do a thorough dental cleaning and exam and teach you how to floss your teeth correctly. Contact our office to learn more!