The Many Benefits of Flossing

Flossing should be a lifelong habit to take care of your teeth. Still, only 4 out of 10 Americans floss at least once a day, according to an American Dentists Association survey.
 
Along with attending twice-yearly dental visits, good oral hygiene habits are important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong. 
 
Cosmetic and general dentist Linda K. Westmoreland, DDS, and the team at Wedgewood Dental are devoted to keeping smiles healthy for a lifetime. To help you and your entire family adopt healthy oral habits and reap the benefits of flossing, our team has put together some helpful tips for better flossing. 

Benefits of flossing

Flossing is an integral part of maintaining tip-top oral health. Flossing has been shown to reduce dental decay and lower the risk of tooth loss. While it may not be on the top of your list of fun things to add to your daily routine, flossing could make a significant difference down the line.
 
Are you looking to take your oral health to the next level? Schedule a visit with us at Wedgewood Dental, and we’ll ensure that you receive the top-quality dental care you deserve. From simple cleanings to Invisalign, our expert staff has you covered. 

Adopting good oral hygiene

Brushing twice a day is one component of good oral hygiene. The following can help you keep your mouth and gums in good shape:
  • Twice daily brushing
  • Flossing at least once daily
  • Routine dental checkups
  • Good nutrition
When life gets busy and stressful, it may be easy to slack off, especially when you need to floss and make appointments for regular checkups. The time you spend flossing is worth the time and effort when you consider the consequences of dental problems. Additionally, good oral hygiene is a crucial part of:
  • Proper speech
  • Dental function
  • A healthy smile
  • Minimizing bad breath
  • Flossing keeps teeth and gums healthy
Brushing your teeth serves two primary functions. It removes plaque that accumulates daily from the food you’ve eaten and removes debris left after chewing and swallowing. Toothbrushes are great at reaching those easy-to-reach surfaces in your mouth, but their small bristles are limited and have a hard time cleaning between your teeth.
 
If you fail to floss, plaque, a sticky biofilm made of bacteria, sits between your teeth. Food debris, which is also teeming with bacteria, hangs out there, too. Some of these bacteria attack your tooth enamel, wearing it down and contributing to dental problems. These bacteria can also hurt your gums. People who don’t floss are boosting their risk for:
  • Tooth decay
  • Cavities
  • Gingivitis 
  • Gum disease
  • Tartar buildup
  • Flossing gets easier as you go

It’s never too late to step up your oral hygiene habits – it can yield results no matter your age. Bleeding gums is the most common complaint from people who rarely or never floss. Your gums are tender and will bleed the first few times your floss. Fortunately, this goes away after a few days for most people. The same goes for any pain that you may experience.

When you’re ready for top-quality dental care, schedule a visit to Wedgewood dentist. Dr.  Westmoreland and skilled staff are ready to help you maintain excellent oral health. Call our Rolla or Salem office to schedule a visit with Dr. Westmoreland. Your teeth will thank you!