Do You Really Have to Floss Daily?

You have probably skipped flossing a few days out of the week. Flossing can be an annoying task to do daily.  Every time you visit your dentist, you are reminded how to floss and to floss everyday.  To floss properly, use about a 12 – 18 inch piece of floss and wrap each end around your middle fingers. Holding the floss between your thumb and forefingers, slide a clean section of floss between your teeth while gently pulling the floss to one side creating a C shape around a tooth.  Slide the floss up and down to remove the plaque, doing the same to the opposite tooth, and repeating the process until every tooth is cleaned.  With proper daily flossing, there should be very little bleeding or discomfort.

But why is it so important to not miss a day of flossing?  Here is a list of 5 reasons why you should floss daily.

1. Flossing gets in between your teeth.

Brushing only cleans the front and back of your teeth, while flossing gets in between.  Food particle and bacteria can get stuck in between your teeth and build up causing damage.  When flossing is done correctly and daily, it can remove food debris and protect your teeth from decay.

2. Flossing breaks up and prevent plaque.

Plaque forms naturally in your mouth and stick to your teeth. Tartar is plaque that has hardened because it has been undisturbed for a period of time. Daily flossing removes plaque and prevents it from building up between teeth to form tartar.

3. Flossing protects gums too.

Flossing can prevent gum disease by cleaning the space between the teeth and gum, or gum line.  With proper flossing gingivitis can be prevented.  Gingivitis usually presents with red and swollen gums, and can be early signs of gum disease.  Not only will gum disease damage the gum and teeth, but can also ruin a nice smile.

4. Flossing can lead to better breath.

Bad breath is primarily caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth.  Flossing can help remove bacteria around teeth and help keep breath smelling fresh.

5. Flossing can help save money.

Flossing can help you save money by preventing costly medical or dental expenses from tooth decay and gum diseases.  With proper oral hygiene, you can avoid spending on fillings for cavities, dental implants, and other procedures.

Continue to floss daily and schedule regular dental cleaning with California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to maintain healthy teeth and gum!