Do You Really Need to Floss?

As mundane or unexciting as the task may feel, flossing is something you need to do to maintain proper oral hygiene. Flossing gets rid of plaque your toothbrush can’t reach, particularly between teeth.

Flossing reduces your risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. This is because when you don’t floss, bacteria are left to accumulate. These bacteria result in plaque, which produces toxins that can inflame your gums. Worse, that plaque may harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dental care provider. Once plaque becomes tartar, your gum inflammation can worsen to the point where you may experience bone or tooth loss if left untreated.

The small amount of time and effort it takes to put into flossing pays dividends in the amount of time, money, and pain you will save in professional tartar removal and oral disease.

Of course flossing only makes a difference if you do it right. Many people simply put the floss in between their teeth and remove it. The key act is rubbing the floss up and down against the side of the tooth to remove the plaque build-up there. If this causes your gums to bleed, it’s likely a sign you have gingivitis. The good news is, flossing combats gingivitis and can even reverse it.

Choose a type of floss you’re comfortable with, whether it’s waxed or not, thick, thin, or fluoride coated. For younger children, you can even find floss holders which make the task a lot easier.

If you have any questions regarding flossing or just wish to make an appointment, contact Greenspoint Dental today.