While brushing your teeth is an important part of your oral hygiene, there are many corners of your mouth that remains out of reach of your toothbrush. This means that a build-up of food, plaque and bacteria cannot be effectively removed. This build-up can be dangerous for your teeth and lead to decay.
The only way to remove this build-up is through flossing. Flossing is used to clear out the areas where your toothbrush cannot reach and is incredibly important in preventative dentistry. In this post, we will outline the importance of flossing and some top tips to effectively care for your teeth.
What Is Flossing?
Brushing helps clean your teeth and mouth, but it can be tough to clean between your teeth without floss. Flossing is a procedure that involves using a thin strand of dental floss to clear out food particles and plaque from the tight spaces between your teeth.
Benefits Of Flossing
Many people ignore this crucial step because they have not been informed and do not fully understand why they should floss. If you have never flossed before, your gums may bleed in a few areas or more. This is due to tartar, calculus buildup and gum inflammation. That is why dentists recommend patients incorporate flossing into their daily oral health habits.
Gets rid of plaque
Plaque is a colourless sticky film that collects around and between your teeth and along your gumline. While difficult to see, it is important that is removed as soon as possible. The bacteria in plaque can release acids that attack your tooth enamel.
Regular flossing can help remove stuck food particles from around your teeth, as well as plaque that’s built up between your teeth.
Reduces the risk of cavities
If plaque isn’t removed, it can build up into tartar. Once this begins to form around your teeth, you are at an increased risk of developing cavities, and more advanced tooth decay.
Helps prevent gum disease
If gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other oral issues such as gum disease. Brushing and flossing daily helps remove any unwanted food particles that could worsen the issue.
May help heart health
Good dental hygiene doesn’t only benefit your teeth and gums. It may benefit your heart health, too. Studies have found that there is a connection between gum disease and heart disease. As such, flossing works to prevent advanced gum disease and heart disease by extension.
Reduces bad breath
Bad breath is a common problem. When left in the mouth for a long time, bacteria can grow and create a less than pleasing odour. Similarly, if plaque builds up around or between your teeth and starts eroding your tooth enamel, it can cause cavities and gum disease, which can also contribute to bad breath. Flossing can help to reduce these unpleasant smells by removing decaying food particles from between your teeth.
Keep Your Teeth Healthy With Noosa Family Dental
If you have not been flossing regularly, it may be time to start. If you want to know more about the importance of preventative dentistry, get in touch with Noosa Family Dental today. From check-ups to teeth cleanings, Noosa Family Dental are here to help you achieve a healthy smile.
