Brushing your teeth is critical for maintaining a healthy set of teeth. Forgoing brushing can result in bacteria growth that causes cavities, tooth decay, and infected gums. We encourage everyone to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
This isn’t the only thing that matters, however. Many people don’t floss their teeth after brushing which can also result in consequences. We want to go over with you the reason why we strongly recommend flossing once per day.
Why Flossing Is Beneficial
A toothbrush is excellent for getting rid of most of the bacteria that cling to your teeth and gums. Brushing for 2 minutes at a time is enough to get the major areas clean, but that still leaves hidden plaque in-between your teeth. The bristles of a toothbrush simply are not precise enough to reach these areas, and as a result, the plaque that is left in there can eventually turn into tartar.
This is where flossing comes into the equation. Dental floss is efficient at getting rid of the plaque stuck between your teeth and is one of the best things you can do for your teeth next to brushing. Many people are under the presumption that flossing adds a significant amount of time during their cleaning routine, but this fortunately not the case. While it is true that you will be flossing in-between each tooth, flossing should under most circumstances take less time than brushing. This quick cleaning activity will significantly reduce built up plaque and help continue positive dental checkups.
What Type Of Floss Should You Use?
The traditional style of flossing involves a small, thin “rope” that gets wedged between your teeth–this is still considered the most thorough flossing method by us. There’s also a different way to floss called “water flossing”. This method involves a handheld water jet designed to spray a thin stream of water between your teeth to get rid of built up plaque. It is not quite as accurate as traditional flossing, but for those with sensitive gums, or simply dislike the feel of traditional dental floss, it is a great option to have available and is significantly better than not flossing at all.
We want to help you maintain the best set of teeth possible. At River Valley Smile Center, we are here for your dental needs; if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at 479.646.0706. We are looking forward to helping you achieve the healthiest mouth possible.
