Flossing may be a difficult habit to cultivate, but well worth the effort to help preserve the health of your teeth. In addition to making your mouth feel cleaner, flossing can help prevent cavities, alleviate breath odor and protect you from gingivitis.
Daily brushing is a must to remove food particles and bacteria from teeth. But brushing will only go so far. Dental floss reaches inside those nooks and crannies between teeth to remove food and bacteria before it converts into plaque or tartar. Plaque contains acids that can dissolve tooth enamel, increasing your chances of getting cavities. Plaque buildup can also lead to gingivitis — a gum condition that causes gums to swell and bleed. Through daily flossing, you can prevent plaque buildup to reduce the risk of gingivitis and cavities and protect your teeth.
In like manner, flossing can help relieve bad breath by removing food that could otherwise rot in your mouth and produce foul smells. Rotten food releases sulfur compounds and acids that give off bad odors in your mouth. Daily flossing helps eliminate food particles so your mouth can stay fresh and clean.
As October is National Oral Health Hygiene Month, it’s good to reflect on the role that oral hygiene plays in protecting your teeth. Good oral hygiene habits will help preserve your teeth longer and enhance the beauty of your smile. If you haven’t yet incorporated flossing into your oral hygiene, it’s time to make a change! Dana Walters DDS is happy to help educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and practices; you are welcome to contact us today or schedule an appointment.
