Why flossing is important
Most people brush their teeth in the morning and at night, however flossing is another story. When it comes to this important oral care practice, many people floss only once a week or even less. Some question if flossing is necessary at all. Our answer to this is a simple and confident "yes we like to say, only floss the teeth you want to keep. Flossing is equally as important as brushing to ensure the maintenance of good oral health care.
Brushing your teeth is how you remove the harmful bacteria that are present. There are millions of bacteria in your mouth, feeding on the food particles that settle on teeth and gums after a meal. Brushing alone doesn't get rid of all bacteria; some of it may lodge in the tiny spaces between your teeth. Neglecting to floss leaves the harmful bacteria in the areas your brush can’t reach.
Bacteria left in your mouth will then produce acid which eats away the enamel on your teeth. When enamel is worn down by this acid, teeth are more susceptible to decay. Another side effect of bacteria waste is sulfur compounds, which tend to cause bad breath. When flossing is not performed daily, plaque can form and harden at the gum line and in between teeth. Hardened plaque is known as tartar, or calculus, something that can only be removed by your dentist once it forms.
Tartar attracts more aggressive types of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria can irritate the gum tissue, causing inflammation - which in turn brings pain. When plaque becomes tartar, inflammation called gingivitis occurs. Gingivitis, if not treated effectively, can lead to periodontal disease; which is when bacteria actually invade the gum tissue and threaten the bone structure that supports teeth.
Instead of allowing these bacteria to cause multiple dental issues, floss daily, as recommended by the American Dental Association; and visit your Family Dentists in Healdsburg CA for routine check-ups.
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