Who's a Candidate for Dentures?
Dentures are an ideal tooth replacement option for anyone with numerous gaps in their smile — including those who’ve lost all their teeth. Learn more here.
Flossing: The Key to Good Dental Hygiene
Maybe you’re pretty good about brushing your teeth, but when was the last time you flossed? According to the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, only 30% of adults are flossing on a regular basis.
Flossing is essential for your oral health, and it’s been shown to prevent tooth loss and decay. While adding flossing to your day isn’t always the easiest thing, it could save you a lot of trouble later on.
Brian Goodman, DDS, and Tanner Goodman, DMD, and the rest of our team at Goodman Dental Care, share why flossing is so important for your dental hygiene.
What is good oral hygiene?
Good oral hygiene is not just staying on top of brushing your teeth every day. Dentists recommend that you should also be flossing at least once a day — along with seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings and focusing on good nutrition that benefits your teeth.
When your life gets a little hectic, it’s easy to brush off the need for flossing and making time for regular dental visits. However, the time you spend flossing is well worth it when you take the consequences of poor oral hygiene into consideration. Taking care of your teeth is vital for proper speech, a healthy smile, and keeping bad breath at bay.
Why flossing is so beneficial
Brushing your teeth removes plaque that has accumulated from the food you’ve eaten and clears any debris that’s been left behind after chewing and swallowing. When it comes to cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, toothbrushes do a great job. However, their bristles can’t reach all those tiny spaces in between your teeth.
Skipping out on flossing puts you at a higher risk for some of the following:
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Gingivitis
- Gum disease
- Tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease
When you don’t floss, plaque — a sticky biofilm made of bacteria — stays between your teeth. If this bacteria is allowed to build up, it can wear down your tooth enamel and damage your gums.
Practice makes perfect
Flossing brings results no matter where you’re at in your flossing journey. If you’re just starting out, your gums might be tender and bleed the first few times you floss. However, this will go away after a few days, as you implement a more consistent routine. You may also notice that your teeth look a little whiter and healthier after you begin flossing. Plus, you get better and faster at flossing the more you do it.
If you’re already flossing pretty regularly, keep at it!
When you’re ready to schedule your next dental appointment, contact our office located in Queen Creek, Arizona or book with us online today.
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