It’s not hard to remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day, usually when you wake up and before you go to bed — and after meals, if you can. But not many realize the importance of flossing daily, as well.
Though brushing sweeps away bacteria and the development of plaque buildup on your teeth, flossing is also imperative for your gum health.
At Crystal Smiles Dental, we understand the importance of oral hygiene. We place a strong emphasis on brushing and flossing, but here, we want to explain the health benefits of flossing. Dr. Colin Young and our expert dental team have the expertise to offer education on flossing to keep your oral health at its peak performance.
Why floss?
Flossing should be part of your everyday oral health hygiene. It involves placing a sturdy dental string in between your teeth and moving it back and forth to remove any stuck or hidden debris. If particles remain in these areas, they can breed bacteria, which can cause issues.
Though your toothbrush does an excellent job of cleaning your teeth, it can’t reach every part of your mouth. That’s why you need to make sure you’re flossing as part of your daily routine, as well.
When you floss, you typically take a closer look at your gums. If you notice any swelling or redness, or anything abnormal about your teeth or gums, you should make a call to our office where we can give you an oral evaluation and determine if you need further dental services.
We also recommend coming in to see us once every six months for a professional teeth cleaning. We use dental instruments to scrape off plaque or tartar if we see any buildup. We also brush, floss, and polish your teeth.
In addition, you can use this time to ask questions about your oral care and learn correct brushing and flossing techniques.
How flossing benefits your gums
The benefits of flossing include:
- Removes debris (food) and plaque from between your teeth and gums
- Reduces plaque buildup
- Reduces the development of tartar (hard buildup of bacteria)
- Reduces your risk of gum disease
If you’ve never been a “flosser,” don’t worry — it’s never too late to start. Once you add this to your oral hygiene practices daily, you can certainly improve the health of your gums.
To learn more about flossing, or to schedule a routine cleaning, reach out to us at our Livermore, California, office today. Simply call, text, or book online — whatever is most convenient for you.