Flossing is cleaning between teeth by physically removing food particles and plaque from the interdental spaces. When food gets lodged between the back teeth, it can easily cause decay and gum disease. Patients who don’t floss typically have more cavities than patients who do. Floss should be used daily before brushing to help remove food debris and plaque between teeth. Also, visit Newport Smiles Dental Spa for a dental exam and cleaning to keep your smile healthy and attractive.
How to Do Flossing?
The most important thing to know about floss is to use the proper technique. Flossing incorrectly can hurt your gums and cause them to recede. Use a piece of floss that’s long enough to slide comfortably between your teeth but not so much that it hangs below your gum line. When cleaning each tooth, pull the floss tightly against the side of your tooth and then move it gently up and down as well as back and forth in short strokes until all plaque is removed. Repeat this process between your teeth until you’ve cleaned each section of your smile. Once you’re finished, rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove any excess debris or particles.
The Benefits of Flossing
Maintains Your Natural Smile
Maintaining a clean, beautiful smile is much easier than restoring a smile that has fallen victim to decay and gum disease. Toothbrushes clean the surface of your teeth, but they cannot reach between teeth or below the gum line. Flossing daily allows toothpaste to get to these surfaces, eliminating plaque and preventing decay and cavities.
Prevents Bad Breath
Flossing keeps plaque and bacteria off the surface of your teeth, which can affect your breath and cause tooth decay. If you don’t floss daily, food particles stuck between teeth can lead to an unpleasant odor. Plaque can also irritate the gums and cause gingivitis or gum disease. A buildup of plaque on your tongue can also cause bad breath.
Prevents Gum Recession
Gums that recede from the teeth allow bacteria to creep underneath and around the gums, leading to decay and gum disease. Flossing helps keep your gums healthy and strong by stimulating blood flow and removing bacteria and food particles between teeth that brushing alone cannot reach.
Flossing your teeth regularly is an essential part of keeping your mouth healthy. It removes plaque and food particles between your teeth and the gum line. For the best dental care, visit Newport Smiles Dental Spa at 570 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, or call (949) 642-1033.
