Are you curious why dentists persistently advise you to floss your teeth? Discover the importance of flossing and learn how to use a floss string to clean your teeth and maintain oral hygiene.
Is it Okay to Brush but Not Floss?
The American Dental Association emphasizes the importance of flossing and regular teeth cleaning using interdental cleaners like dental floss.
This is crucial because:
- Food particles accumulate on and between teeth, causing plaque formation
- Plaque contains bacteria that can lead to dental cavities and gum diseases
Regular brushing helps prevent these harmful bacteria from damaging teeth, but the importance of flossing can’t be neglected because it removes bacteria from where the brush can’t correctly reach.
Importance of Flossing
Dental flossing is crucial to maintain oral health, as it can adequately clean the areas inaccessible to a toothbrush.
Learn the importance of flossing below:
- Clears food particles and plaque from the space between teeth and along the gum line that are difficult for a toothbrush to reach
- More effective in eliminating bacteria that cause bad breath compared to brushing alone
- Clears plaque from below the gum line, preventing tooth enamel erosion and the development of tartar, which can lead to tooth discoloration.
- Reduces the risk of cavities
- Minimizes the chances of gum soreness, puffiness, and redness
- Helps prevent gingivitis, a precursor to periodontitis
How frequently should you Floss?
Although it can be easy to neglect, it is essential to note that the Canadian Dental Association recommends flossing at least once daily before bedtime to maintain oral health.
Regular cleaning promotes the longevity of dental health by ensuring a healthy oral cavity.
How to Floss Your Teeth?
Having a proper understanding of the correct flossing technique is crucial for everyone. This video provides a step-by-step tutorial, making it more simple and convenient to follow.
For a detailed description of flossing steps, follow the simple 5-step guide.
Types of Flossing
There are two types of floss available:
- Nylon Floss
- PTFE Floss (Polytetrafluoroethylene floss)
Nylon floss, although more susceptible to breakage, offers cost advantages and a variety of flavors.
PTFE floss slides more easily between teeth without breaking. Both types effectively remove plaque and debris if used correctly.
Additional flossing methods include using tiny brushes, dental picks, wooden plaque removers, water flossing, and various alternative flossing tools.
Conclusion
Dentists strongly support the importance of flossing your teeth if you’re still unsure about the necessity of dental flossing. Flossing is a valuable method for maintaining a healthy mouth, making it a worthwhile addition to your oral care routine.
