These naturally occurring bacteria, which are mostly harmless if kept under control, feed on the plaque, releasing digestive acids that can also eat your tooth enamel. If this process is allowed to continue, it will inevitably lead to cavities: holes in your tooth enamel that allow bacteria inside the tooth, making it vulnerable to infection. The most common location for cavities are between the teeth and just below the gum line where brushing cannot reach.
Dr. Sowell would like to educate you about the importance of flossing in tooth decay and having a healthy mouth and smile.
Flossing can clear away the plaque and bacteria that you can’t easily reach when brushing in places such as between your teeth and below the gum line. However, while it’s important to be flossing regularly, you also need to be sure you’re doing it effectively. After all, why bother flossing if you aren’t getting the full benefit?
Flossing properly every day can help you avoid tooth decay and painful, time-consuming and potentially expensive dental procedures that can be needed if tooth decay is allowed to continue unchecked.
Many people choose to buy the floss picks that are now widely available at most drug stores. These “Y” shaped pieces of plastic have floss strung between the “arms” of the “Y” and are intended to make flossing easier for consumers. However, the American Dental Association reports that using a length of “free” floss and your hands is preferred. Floss picks aren’t able to wrap around the base of a tooth in the “U” shape needed to remove floss around the base of the tooth so proper flossing isn’t really possible with them. However, using floss picks is still preferred over just not flossing at all.
Most dentists agree that flossing after you brush your teeth is most effective as there will already be less plaque and food particles to get stuck on the floss. If you are in the Plano, TX area and have any additional questions about brushing, flossing or your oral health, call (972) 382-6855 or schedule a complimentary consultation online with Dr. Sowell at Aesthetic Dentistry Centre today.
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