I’ve been a loyal patient at this dental practice since the ’80s, and my recent annual cleaning reaffirmed why. Cindy, the dental hygienist, provided exceptional care. Her gentle touch and genuine concern for my comfort made the cleaning a breeze. I’ve always received top-notch service here, and Cindy’s expertise is a shining example of their commitment to patient satisfaction. Highly recommend this practice for their outstanding staff and long-standing dedication to dental health.
Keeping up with good oral care habits will keep your smile in good shape. That means brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, eating healthy, and visiting the dentist for regular checkups. Unfortunately, a recent study showed that about 37 percent of adults make it a daily habit. But if you want to prevent cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath, you want to make sure you’re flossing at least once a day. In this blog post, we’ll go over all the benefits of flossing and how to make sure you are doing it correctly.
Understanding the Benefits of Flossing
Flossing gets rid of food particles stuck between your teeth and in your gumline. While brushing does do a good job of getting good particles and plaque, it won’t reach the in-between places like flossing. Here a few benefits of maintaining a regularly flossing routine:
- Removes Plaque – Flossing helps remove plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth and can cause gum disease.
- Prevents Gum Disease – By getting rid of the food particles in and around your gumline, you are preventing the inflammation that can lead to gum disease.
- Reduces Bad Breath – Getting rid of the food and bacteria from your teeth can help improve your breath.
- Protects Against Cavities – Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas between teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.
- Saves Money – By flossing regularly, you can prevent dental problems that would normally require expensive treatments.
- Promotes Overall Health – Poor oral hygiene has been linked to several health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health issues. Flossing regularly keeps these issues at bay and can have a positive impact on your overall health.
How to Floss Correctly
In order to get the most benefits from flossing, you want to make sure you are doing it the right away. Here’s how:
- Start with about 18 inches of floss and guide it gently between your teeth using a rubbing motion.
- When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of your tooth with the floss, moving the away from the gum with up and down motions.
- Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth, making sure to use a fresh section of floss for each tooth. Don’t forget to floss behind your back teeth as well.
- Once you’re finished, rinse your mouth out with water. Follow up with brushing your teeth to make sure you have gotten rid of the materials you picked up while flossing.
Want more personalized tips about your oral care routine? Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your next checkup in Charlotte, NC. You can also online.