Flossing is part of oral dental hygiene that many people ignore. However, most people are scared of floss because it can lead to gums bleeding.
When it comes to flossing, bleeding gums are not necessarily bad. If your gums bleed often, this can weaken and hasten the plaque build-up. With the use of good toothbrush and proper brushing techniques, plaque can grow and accumulate in hiding areas on your gums and teeth. However, plaque is caused due to the chemical reaction between the carbohydrates and sugars in the foods and drinks we consume (apart from water). The end reaction can produce bacteria-laden film and germ that sticks to your gums or teeth surface. Also, this can be treated using invasive dental treatment measures such as flossing and brushing.
How Flossing Helps Prevent Plaque
Regular brushing of teeth is not enough to protect your gums and teeth from plaque build-up. There are some hiding areas in your mouth (such as the space between your teeth and gap along your gum line) that can’t be accessed using a toothbrush. If these areas are not cleaned every day, the plaque can lead to possible dental problems such as tartar or loss of teeth.
However, flossing will help you to clean the food particles in those hiding areas that have been damaged by plaque. Just like tooth brushing is important in cleaning your gums and teeth without causing damage, so is proper flossing help to get rid of plaque by preventing gums irritation and unintentional harm.
Dentists like Dr. Aerni usually advise their patients to floss at least one per day. Also, proper flossing involves the movement of floss back and front along the shape of each tooth below the gum line. To save energy and time in this process, it is good to force the floss in between your middle teeth rather than going along the perimeter of each tooth.
Have you scheduled your regular cleaning and exam? If not, contact us today!