Floss. It’s Important.
Even though it is recommended to floss at least once each day, it is safe to assume that most adults don’t accomplish this goal. The idea behind flossing is to remove plaque, which contains bacteria that feed on leftover food or sugar in your mouth and releases an acid that can eat away at the outer shell of your teeth and cause cavities. When you brush, you are removing plaque from the larger surfaces of your teeth. What is often missed during brushing are the small nooks and crannies between your teeth. This is where flossing comes into play. Using dental floss, a dental pick, a pre-threaded flossed, or even a tiny brush you can reach those small hard to clean areas and remove plaque build up which can cause problems if left unattended.
Once You Start, You Won’t Want to Stop!
By now, everyone has seen the meme with the guy saying, “I don’t always floss, but when I do it’s just before a visit to the dentist.” It is funny probably because most people can relate. We don’t nag or threaten our patients when it comes to flossing. All we can do is educate our patients on its merits and hope that we are able to convince a few that flossing will add years to your dentition.
Sometimes, a few converted souls become like converted smokers: flossing champions challenging others to adopt this healthy lifestyle.
Flossing is just like any other new skill, there’s a learning curve and to be mastered it must be practiced. The first month will be a series of endless awkward starts and stops as you learn to manipulate the floss in your mouth. Eventually, you will find yourself becoming better and better at it.
You will notice that your gums are bleeding less and that they are beginning to look more pink and less puffy.
I heard a quote once that said that trying to start to floss is like trying to quit smoking. What if I told you that if you tried it for one month your home care routine will begin to feel unfinished without the flossing step? That if, practiced faithfully, you will experience flossing withdrawal if you go even a few days without doing it? It is true.
We Are Here to Help.
Do you have extremely sensitive teeth or have you had dental work done (like braces or permanent or fixed bridges) it is a good idea to check with your dentists at Eagle Rock Dental Care about what tools you use to floss. In some cases, it can be a good idea to use a water flosser if you have trouble flossing by hand. We are here to assist you in proper technique and address any questions you have concerning your dental care. Schedule an appointment with us today.
