In this article, you will learn about The Importance of Flossing. Flossing helps clean teeth by removing the icky plaque that builds up between them. Many people neglect to care for their teeth and gums, but this is a big mistake! During your dental checkups, you should mention any habits you have outside the dentist’s office that affect your tooth health because these could hold clues about your dental problems, especially if it is in regard to flossing. Below is a list of the importance of flossing.

Preventing bad breath

No matter how much you brush your teeth and gums, your mouth still has unwanted bacteria that can cause a bad odor. Flossing helps eliminate these smelly germs because it cleans between your teeth where the brush cannot reach. To fight bad breath, floss at least once a day and drink plenty of water. If you have bleeding gums and bad breath, see your dentist immediately because that is a sign of gum disease or a possible tumor.

Protecting your gums

If you have healthy teeth and gums, you can keep them that way by practicing proper oral hygiene. That includes flossing — the proper way! But if you only use your floss to pick clean between your teeth, you could cause damage to the gums. Wrap the floss around one finger of each hand and rub it gently between your fingers to separate it. Then, wrap one end of the floss around each middle finger. Insert the floss between your teeth and use your fingers to hold it in place as you pull gently. This will help you clean between your teeth, including those in the back where your toothbrush cannot reach.

Helping to prevent dental diseases

Flossing helps control dental diseases because it removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where bacteria thrive. This can help to prevent gingivitis and other gum diseases. If you have diabetes, flossing will also help prevent and control a complication called “diabetic periodontitis,” a serious form of gum disease.

Preventing tooth decay

Plaque is the film of bacteria that forms on your teeth after eating food or drinking liquids containing sugar. Plaque bacteria feed on these foods, producing acids that can destroy the enamel on your teeth and cause cavities. Flossing can help you remove plaque between your teeth and prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Reducing your risk of other health problems

Proper oral hygiene — including flossing — can reduce your risk of many health problems by promoting good overall health. That’s because it allows you to get rid of food particles that could lead to various illnesses, such as heart disease, respiratory infections, diabetes, stomach ulcers and skin infections.

Conclusion

In conclusion, flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. It helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and gums, preventing gum disease and tooth decay. At Larry D. Molenda, D.D.S. in San Marcos, we offer a range of dental services, including teeth cleaning and dental crowns in San Marcos TX. Our team of experienced dental professionals is dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. Let us help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come!