The Importance of Flossing

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We all know how important it is to brush our teeth at least twice a day, as we need to remove plaque and food debris from our teeth and mouth. But not everyone is aware of how important flossing is for oral hygiene. If we neglect to floss and only rely on brushing to keep our teeth clean, we might be surprised to notice decay, gum disease, or other problems. 

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So, here's why flossing is an important part of preventive dentistry. 

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Do I Need to Floss?

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Yes, flossing is necessary for proper hygiene of your teeth and gums. Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms in our mouths every day, and it will cover every crevice, crack, gap, and side of the teeth. Brushing is crucial in keeping teeth clean, but not even the most modern brushes can get in every little space in between the teeth.

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Flossing is more effective in removing bacteria and debris from in between your teeth, or in between your teeth and gums. 

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Benefits of Flossing

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Flossing has multiple benefits for your oral health, including the following:

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• Your Teeth Will Look Brighter: By removing plaque on a daily basis and keeping food debris out of your mouth, your teeth will always be in good condition and look bright and shiny.
• You Remove Plaque, Preventing Decay, and Tartar: Plaque is the bacteria layer that forms on your teeth every day, as a byproduct of eating. If left unchecked, it turns into tartar, which can only be removed by the dentist.
• You Prevent Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Gum disease is also caused by plaque and it can lead to tooth loss and other problems.
• You Contribute to Your Overall Health: Besides affecting oral health, gum disease is also linked to heart disease and other problems in your body. 
• It Gives You a Chance to Examine Your Teeth and gums Every Day: Flossing has to be done thoroughly, going through every tooth. This will help you see if anything is wrong before it gets too bad.

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Is It Better to Floss Before Brushing?

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Whether you floss before or after brushing is up to you, it’s important to do both every day. But, if you want to be more methodical, you can start with flossing, in order to remove debris. 

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Book an Appointment Now

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Even if you brush and floss every day, it’s still important to get regular check-ups at the dentist and get a professional cleaning at least once a year. The dentist’s equipment and expertise will ensure that your teeth are really clean and healthy, and any problem will be discovered early on. 

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Book an appointment with Dr. Burke and her team at Burke Dental Group to assess your oral health, get a deep cleanse or consider reconstructive dentistry, if needed. Contact us for more information or for scheduling your check-up. 

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