23 Sep Why Flossing is Important
A Guide to Better Oral Health
When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing is often given the spotlight, while flossing remains an afterthought for many. Yet, dental professionals across the UK emphasise that flossing is just as important as brushing. This simple practice goes beyond removing food particles stuck between teeth; it plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term oral health. Let’s explore the reasons why flossing should be a vital part of your daily dental routine.
The Role of Flossing in Preventing Gum Disease
One of the most important benefits of flossing is its ability to prevent gum disease. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth after eating. While brushing helps clean the surface of your teeth, it often misses the tight spaces between them. Over time, plaque buildup in these areas can lead to inflamed gums, otherwise known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can escalate into periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can result in tooth loss. Flossing helps to remove plaque before it has the chance to cause serious problems. By cleaning the spaces between your teeth and along the gum line, flossing prevents plaque from hardening into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. Keeping up with a regular flossing routine reduces the risk of gum disease and the need for costly dental treatments down the line.
Flossing Helps Prevent Cavities
Cavities, or dental caries, occur when tooth enamel breaks down due to acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. While brushing removes bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth, flossing ensures that the areas between your teeth—often where cavities first develop—are thoroughly cleaned. Bacteria trapped in these hard-to-reach areas feed on sugars and produce acids that erode the enamel, eventually forming cavities. Regular flossing, alongside brushing, helps to clear away this bacteria before it can do any damage. Incorporating flossing into your routine can make a significant difference in your overall cavity risk, ensuring a cleaner, healthier smile.
Enhancing Your Overall Dental Cleanliness
While it’s easy to assume that brushing alone is enough to keep your mouth clean, this simply isn’t the case. The truth is that a toothbrush can only reach about 60% of the tooth surface. That leaves a large portion vulnerable to bacteria buildup. Flossing is the only way to effectively clean between the teeth and under the gumline, where plaque and food particles tend to accumulate. By flossing daily, you not only improve the cleanliness of your mouth but also help prevent bad breath, which is often caused by food particles and bacteria trapped between the teeth. The fresher breath that comes from a good flossing routine can boost your confidence, especially during social or professional interactions.
Flossing and Your General Health
Many people don’t realise that their oral health is closely linked to their overall health. Research has shown that poor oral hygiene, including not flossing, can contribute to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Inflammation caused by gum disease can increase the risk of these health issues, as the bacteria present in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body. In addition to cardiovascular health, oral bacteria have also been linked to respiratory conditions such as pneumonia. By regularly flossing and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can help reduce the risk of these systemic health problems. In this way, flossing not only protects your teeth and gums but also promotes better health throughout your body.
Flossing for Children and Teens
It’s important to instil the habit of flossing in children and teenagers, as early intervention can prevent many dental issues later in life. Parents should encourage their children to floss once their teeth begin to touch, usually around the age of two or three. Teaching proper flossing techniques at an early age will help young people develop lifelong habits that will protect their oral health. For teenagers, the importance of flossing is even more critical as orthodontic treatments like braces can make it harder to clean between the teeth. Specialised flossing tools, such as orthodontic floss threaders, can make it easier to maintain dental hygiene during these formative years.
Flossing with Dental Work
For adults who have crowns, bridges, or dental implants, flossing remains essential. These dental works can create extra spaces where plaque and food debris can become trapped, making flossing a critical part of maintaining their cleanliness. Special flossing tools, such as interdental brushes or water flossers, can be used to clean around these restorations effectively. Dental and cosmetic dental work is often a significant financial investment, so it makes sense to protect that investment by maintaining proper hygiene. Regular flossing ensures that dental restorations stay in good condition for as long as possible, helping to avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements.
How to Floss Properly
Flossing might seem straightforward, but there is a technique to ensure it is done correctly. Start with a length of floss about 18 inches long, winding most of it around your middle fingers and leaving a few inches to work with. Gently slide the floss between each tooth, curving it around the base of the tooth to reach below the gumline. Avoid snapping the floss, as this can irritate your gums. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading bacteria. It’s important to be thorough but gentle. Overly aggressive flossing can damage gums and even wear away enamel if done incorrectly. If you’re unsure whether you’re flossing properly, it’s always a good idea to ask your dentist for a demonstration during your next check-up.
Flossing Alternatives
For nervous patients who find traditional flossing difficult, there are several alternatives that can be just as effective. Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, use a stream of water to clean between the teeth and along the gumline. Interdental brushes are another option, especially for people with wider spaces between their teeth. These alternatives are often easier for people with dexterity issues or for those who wear braces or have other dental work. While these tools can be helpful, they should not replace regular flossing entirely but can serve as a complement to a comprehensive oral hygiene routine.
The Simple Act That Makes a Big Difference
Flossing is an easy yet powerful way to maintain optimal oral health. By removing plaque and food particles from between the teeth, flossing helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems. It also contributes to fresher breath and can improve your overall health by reducing the risk of systemic diseases. Whether you prefer traditional floss, a water flosser, or an interdental brush, the key is consistency. Making flossing a daily habit will help ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy for years to come. For the best results, always pair flossing with brushing and regular dental check-ups. By committing to this simple routine, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a bright and healthy smile.
Contact the experts at Hendford Dental Practice today.
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