Why is flossing so important

Ask your dentist what they recommend, and choose the option you think you will have success with. Getting into the habit of flossing will be easier if it fits into your routine and you feel good about it.

Be sure to avoid over-flossing, though. Flossing several times per day or flossing too vigorously can lead to bleeding, sore gums and gum recession. Whenever you choose to floss during your day, make sure you are doing it the right way. Flossing incorrectly can lead to sore and bleeding gums, but it can also cause the act to be more difficult, less enjoyable and less effective. Flossing the right way can help you discover more success in improving your dental hygiene routine.

Here is a step-by-step process of how you can floss your teeth with traditional floss:. We recommend starting with the back tooth on one side of your mouth and finishing with the opposite tooth on the other side. Start with either your top or bottom teeth and move onto the other set when you are finished. At your next dental appointment, you can also ask your dental hygienist to demonstrate how to floss.

Floss is more than a name to describe the string people use to scrape between their teeth. Flossing is a general term you can use to describe any act that cleans plaque and debris from tight spaces your toothbrush is unable to reach.

You can use much more than standard nylon floss. Many forms of flossing exist, and one of them can be perfect for your oral hygiene routine. What matters is that you floss. According to the American Dental Association ADA , these are all acceptable tools for removing food and debris from your teeth:.

Everyone can enjoy the benefits of flossing, but some conditions can make the act of flossing more difficult. Despite these conditions, practicing proper dental hygiene is an essential part of having a higher quality of life. Here are a few dental and physical conditions that can make flossing difficult and some tips on how you can floss even with these conditions:.

Flossing should help your teeth and gums after flossing, not hurt them. If your gums are bleeding or hurting when you floss, you may be wondering why so many dental professionals recommend doing it at all. Here are a few reasons why your teeth and gums might hurt when you try flossing:. Our practice is the oldest continuing dental practice in New York State.

Over the years, we have had the privilege of growing with our community. Our goal at NYC Dental is to provide an exceptional dental experience to each of our patients.

We do this by offering the following benefits:. Book an appointment today to take your first step toward better dental hygiene. Book Online Pay Online Why Is Flossing so Important? Posted on August 19, Eliminate Plaque Everyone has bacteria in their mouth. Reduce the Risk of Cavities Plaque presents more risks than tartar.

Prevent Gum Disease Flossing is a critical component of having healthy gums. Reduce Bad Breath Bad breath is a common problem for many people, but flossing is one of the best ways to reduce bad breath. Positively Impact Your Heart Health Some scientists and health professionals have observed a connection between dental and heart health. What Is the Right Way to Floss? Here is a step-by-step process of how you can floss your teeth with traditional floss: Use the attached cutter to remove a piece of floss about two feet long.

Restaurant owners know that food sometimes gets stuck between teeth. Even worse, all of the stuff that stays lodged between your teeth can destroy your smile over time. Although researchers continue to examine the role that flossing plays in your overall dental health, there are some clear benefits to it. Do you want to keep a welcoming smile for years into the future? Oral-B notes that regular flossing is a terrific way to improve the overall brightness of your teeth.

Combine a bright smile with the appearance of healthy gums, and you have a recipe for a smile that has real staying power. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, plaque on your teeth can lead to gum disease. Research suggests that the bacteria found in plaque causes an inflammatory response that contributes to gum disease. Flossing helps you to avoid problems such as.

One of the insidious dangers of gum disease is that it appears to play a part in the development of heart disease. Recent research reveals that you have a twenty percent higher chance of developing heart disease if you have gum disease. One theory is that gum disease spurs on the narrowing of arteries, leading to cardiovascular disease. Dentists know that flossing is a crucial step in avoiding cavities.

A sliver of sticky candy caught between two teeth can result in cavity-causing plaque within two days. The Life Cycle of a Cavity. Back to School Dental Checklist. Why Check-Ups Are Essential. Fascinating Facts About Saliva. Whistler, BC smile whistlerdental. Our Hours Monday: am - pm Tuesday: am - pm Wednesday: am - pm Thursday: am - pm Friday: am - pm Saturday: am - pm Sunday: am - pm.

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Bad breath halitosis is a common problem. But flossing is one of the tools you can use to keep bad breath away. When food gets trapped between your teeth, it slowly starts to decay. Also, if plaque builds up around or between your teeth and starts eroding your tooth enamel, it can cause cavities and gum disease, which contribute to bad breath.

It may benefit your heart health, too. According to a large study , participants who adhered to a high standard of oral hygiene had a decreased risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. That said, the American Heart Association says a connection between oral health and heart health may have more to do with a link between the health of your mouth and the overall health of your body.

Regardless, flossing your teeth is a simple, low-cost way to help boost your oral hygiene as well as your overall health. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

Some people prefer to floss during their morning routine, while others like one final cleaning before bed. When you floss, you typically loosen food particles and plaque around your teeth.

Standard dental floss generally comes in two varieties: waxed and unwaxed. If your teeth are closer together or crowded, a wax coating may make it easier to get into those tight spaces. Floss also comes in tape form, which is broader and flat and works well if you have gaps in your teeth.

Additionally, if you have braces , bridges, or gaps, you may want to try a super floss. This type of floss has a regular floss thread, spongy floss, and a dental floss threader with a stiff end.

If you find traditional floss hard to use, there are some floss alternatives you can try, such as:.