Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
We get it. Flossing your teeth isn’t the most exciting part of your day. But, it only takes a couple of minutes to do. And the benefits are substantial. Flossing is equivalent to brushing between your teeth. Without this step in your daily oral hygiene routine, you skip cleaning one-third of your tooth’s surfaces, which means a greater risk of cavities and gum disease. Today on the blog, one of Okemos’ top-rated family dentists, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares why flossing is essential for your oral health.
Why flossing is important
There are several factors that contribute to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Brushing your teeth twice a day, reducing your consumption of processed and sugary foods, and seeing the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings are all part of maintaining oral health. But, there’s one thing missing here – flossing. Flossing removes plaque buildup, bacteria, and food particles from between your teeth. Not only does this keep your pearly whites looking good, but it also promotes fresher breath, and means that you have a better chance at maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
What happens when you don’t floss
The consequences of not flossing creep up slowly, and may not be pronounced for years. But, lurking bacteria and plaque eventually causes cavities, and a gum infection called periodontitis. Gum disease is prevalent in nearly half of adults in the U.S., yet it is entirely preventable with proper oral care. While it may take months or years before gum disease progresses, it eventually reaches the point of no return, as in, it causes irrevocable damage to your oral health. While gum disease can be stopped and managed, it cannot be cured, once it takes hold. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. With proper oral care, you can prevent gum disease, and reduce your chance of getting cavities between your teeth.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Gum disease starts out as gingivitis, which presents with the following symptoms:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Tender gums
- Gum inflammation
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Missing teeth
- Shrinking (or receding) gums
- Sensitive teeth
Benefits of Flossing
As mentioned previously, flossing cleans between your teeth. There are many benefits to flossing, including fresher breath, teeth that look clean, fewer enamel stains, less risk of cavities, and improved oral health.
How do I know if I’m flossing the right way?
One downside to flossing is that not everyone knows how to do it correctly. If you’re going about it wrong, then, unfortunately, you may not reap those benefits that we pointed out. Avoid popping the floss between your teeth because you could injure your gums. The proper way to floss is to wrap each end of floss around one finger (your index finger) on both hands. Gently push the floss between your teeth, paying special attention to rub the floss along the side of each tooth, and in a “C” motion as you swipe it against the small area of gum tissue between your teeth. If you still are unsure how to floss correctly, ask us for a demonstration the next time you come in for a visit.
General Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing
Flossing is an essential part of maintaining your oral health. Skipping this vital step would be like only washing part of your body when you shower. No one would do that! So, before you go to bed tonight or after your last meal, take a couple of minutes to floss. To learn more ways to protect your oral health or to schedule an appointment, contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733.