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The Benefits of Flossing
Taking proper care of your teeth on a regular basis can mean the difference between a healthy, beautiful smile and a mouth filled with harmful bacteria. Maintaining good oral hygiene is simple, and requires just a few minutes each day of brushing and flossing. While most people make it a point to brush their teeth at least twice a day or after every meal, flossing is often overlooked. However, flossing is extremely important for its ability to reach between teeth and other hard-to-reach areas, where the toothbrush simply cannot get to. Here, we’ll outline just a few benefits of flossing.
Flossing Removes Plaque
Plaque can be a mouth’s number one enemy, and for good reason: When not fought properly, plaque is a constant threat and can cause harmful tooth decay. Typically forming in hard-to-access areas of the mouth, such as between teeth and beneath the gumline, a toothbrush cannot always reach and remove all of the existing plaque in the mouth. Flossing gets between teeth and in difficult spots, preventing plaque from growing.
Flossing Kills Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be remedied by a number of different practices, including brushing, mouthwash, avoiding certain foods, and drinking plenty of water. Flossing, however, gets out the bits of food and bacteria stuck between teeth and below the gumline that may cause bad breath. By flossing on a regular basis, you can remove any stink from your mouth and enjoy fresh breath.
Flossing is Really Easy
Once you get in the habit of flossing every day, it becomes as routine as brushing your teeth. Make it a point to floss your teeth at least once a day, ideally before you go to bed to remove any excess bacteria and food particles that you missed when brushing. All it takes is 18 inches of unwaxed floss, wrapped around one finger of each hand. Guide the floss between your teeth while holding it between your thumb and forefinger, and press the string against the sides of each tooth as it goes up and down. Move to the next inch of floss for each tooth.
When combined with daily brushing and regular visits to the dentist, flossing leads to happy, healthy smiles that last.