Sciota, Pennsylvania
Taking proper care of your oral hygiene is important for your oral health, as well as your overall physical health. One of the most vital steps in any oral hygiene regimen is flossing. However, studies have found that only 30% of Americans floss daily and just one-third of all people in the United States never floss. Read on, as your dentists in Sciota explain why flossing is crucial to your oral health and hygiene.
The importance of flossing
Alongside twice daily brushing and regular checkups at Chestnuthill Dental, flossing is an important part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Why is flossing so important? It’s the only way to clean the spaces between your teeth, which no toothbrush can reach. Flossing removes plaque buildup, bacteria, and food particles from between teeth. Otherwise, these materials can cause cavities or the bacterial infection that leads to gum disease. Flossing also promotes fresher breath, as it prevents these food particles from otherwise decaying in the mouth.
What happens when you skip flossing
If you never floss altogether, the bacteria in your mouth grow and spread, which can lead to gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease progresses into an advanced stage called periodontitis. By this time, the damage to your mouth is irreversible. Gum disease is surprisingly common, as it affects nearly half of adults in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, but it can easily be prevented through proper oral hygiene … which includes regular flossing.
Symptoms of gum disease
Gum disease starts off as gingivitis, during which your gums may bleed easily, feel tender, appear red or become inflamed. Gingivitis also causes bad breath and receding gums. While these symptoms are unappealing and worrisome, the good news is that the effects of gingivitis can be treated and reversed through our course of periodontal treatment. Better yet, you can prevent gum disease through a proper oral hygiene routine that includes regular flossing. If you are concerned you may have gingivitis or gum disease, contact Chestnuthill Dental for more information.
The right way to floss
Why does it matter how you floss your teeth? You won’t gain all the benefits of flossing if you don’t do it correctly. You can also injure your gums if you aggressively pop the floss in and out of your teeth.
What is the proper technique then? Start by wrapping each end of the floss around both of your index fingers. Then, gently push the floss between your teeth. While doing this, you want to form a C-shape against the gum tissue between each tooth as you rub the floss along each side of the tooth.
General dentistry in Sciota, Pennsylvania
If you want to keep your smile beautiful, clean, and healthy, make sure you are flossing at least once per day.If you are unsure of the proper technique, feel free to ask your Chestntuhill Dental provider for a visual demonstration during your next checkup. If you have concerns or questions regarding your oral health or dental hygiene routine, or you’re overdue for your next cleaning, call Chestnuthill Dental at (570) 402-4001 today to schedule a consultation.
