It is common for many to believe that brushing your teeth is the optimal dental hygiene habit. The truth is that flossing is a complimentary step during tooth brushing. The majority of dentists recommend getting in the habit of brushing at least twice daily and flossing at least once. In this guide, we are outlining the benefits of flossing daily for a healthier mouth. To learn more, contact Lovett Dental Sharpstown.
Benefits of Flossing Daily
There are several benefits of flossing daily, including preventing plaque build-up, removing plaque, and reducing tartar. Each time you floss, you remove excess food particles and plaque that you are unable to see in the mirror. This habit also reaches areas of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t.
Let’s look a little more closely at the benefits of flossing daily:
- The prevention of tartar build-up: Plaque does not take long to build-up on your teeth. If you do not remove it, it hardens and causes tartar. Flossing every day helps remove that plaque and prevents tartar build-up.
- Bad breath prevention: When food particles get stuck in between teeth, and along the gum line, that could cause bacterial growth. As a result, that could also lead to bad breath.
- A cleaner mouth: Because brushing and flossing complement each other, that results in having a cleaner mouth. When you neglect to floss, you are only not cleaning up to thirty-five percent of your teeth’s surfaces.
- Gum disease prevention: Plaque not only stains your tooth’s surface, but that build-up could lead to gum disease. If that happens, your gums are experiencing infection or inflammation.
The Importance of Flossing After Meals
While it is not always convenient to floss your teeth in the middle of the day or at work, it is beneficial to do so. When thinking about the benefits of flossing daily, doing so after meals top the list. Not only does your mouth feel cleaner when you keep up with this habit, but it is also healthier.
If you have a habit of snacking on dried fruits or other sticky foods, their particles tend to adhere to the surfaces in between your teeth. Even though dried fruits are a healthy option, their high sugar concentration could mean that they could result in tooth decay. Trying to maintain good oral health does not mean you have to deprive yourself of raisins or pretzels. However, your mouth can stay healthier by flossing after eating these sticky foods.
Understanding Why People Stop Flossing
You or someone else you know might have been in the habit of flossing daily. However, if flossing causes pain, it is not uncommon to avoid this habit. Reasons for not flossing include:
- Gum sensitivity: If your gums bleed easily or if you have sensitive teeth, that means you must choose soft floss for more comfort.
- Wearing braces: If you have dentures or braces, that does not mean you do not have to floss. Instead, use specialized floss that is stiffer.
- You have children: Some say they are too busy to floss because they have children. However, during the early years of childhood, that is the best time to teach this dental hygiene.
- Difficulty using floss: For those who find manipulating the floss too complicated, an electric flosser is the best answer.
Contact Lovett Dental Sharpstown Today for Flossing Advice
Do you feel like brushing and using mouth wash are good enough dental hygiene practices? Are you still wondering about the benefits of flossing daily? No one should have questions like these left unanswered. Now is the time to contact Lovett Dental Sharpstown 281-975-5560 to learn how flossing daily leads to a healthier mouth, as well as how we can help.
