Flossing

07 Jan Flossing

Recently, the importance of everyday-flossing has come under scrutiny. But there’s overwhelming evidence that says that flossing is an absolutely essential and routine oral practice that should be performed daily (even the U.S Department of Health has said that flossing is important). The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that you floss once daily. Make sure you use the floss to clean the spaces between the teeth all the way to the gum line. See, plaque grows on all surfaces of the tooth, which means that the places that a toothbrush’s bristles can’t reach are going to be overrun with plaque. Plaque eventually hardens into substance called tarter—Remember, tarter cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone—If you don’t rid the mouth of plaque, then you’re creating a potentially more serious problem such as the gum disease, gingivitis—early stage gum disease—and gingivitis could then escalate to the more severe, and much more difficult to treat, Periodontal Disease.

Always Use Floss, or a Similar Interdental Cleaner

Have you ever used something unusual to clear out something caught between your teeth? Well, according to certain studies, studies performed in conjunction with the ADA, most Americans have used an unusual item to clean between their teeth. The list of unusual interdental cleaners includes paper, fingernails, cutlery, safety pins, and even strands of hair—a little strange to conjure the image of someone flossing with hair. But these “unusual devices” can present certain health risks to the person using them. It’s important to stick to devices such as dental floss—most any type is fine as long as you’re comfortable using it—and dental picks; only the items that are designed to clean the spaces between teeth.

There’s no wrong time of day to floss your teeth. If you have not yet made the practice of flossing a habit, then make sure you do it in conjunction with brushing. It doesn’t matter which—brush or floss—you do first, just that both get done on a regular schedule.

And if you have any other questions about flossing, or would like to schedule your next exam and cleaning—remember that regular visits to the dentist are equally as important as routine at-home oral care—then call Silvercreek Family Dentistry today.