Talk to any dentist in Auburn, and they will be quick to lecture you on how important flossing is. If you are one of the many people who have found themselves lying to their dentist about how often you floss your teeth, this article is for you.
The truth is many people find flossing tedious and boring, so they often end up going days at a time without doing so. Such people often find themselves wondering why they keep having so many dental problems despite the fact they brush their teeth religiously.
A dentist in Auburn explains the importance of flossing
Flossing is just as important as brushing. Both tasks are done for the same reasons. Brushing removes food particles, bacteria, and plaque that are left on teeth surfaces. These things build up in the mouth after meals, and oral bacteria convert food particles into acids that destroy teeth.
Brushing removes these harmful things from teeth surfaces, the tongue and other soft tissues in the mouth. The thing is, the bristles of a toothbrush are too small to fit into the tight spaces between teeth. While these interdental areas might seem really tight to patients, they are larger than the Grand Canyon to the microorganisms that live in the mouth. It is actually one of the safest places in the mouth for oral bacteria since most people clean their interdental spaces a whole lot less than they clean the surfaces of their teeth.
When a person does not floss, the bacteria that live in these tight spaces will produce acids that rot teeth away from their sides.
A dentist in Auburn explains how often you should floss
There are many different opinions when it comes to how often people should floss. Most dentists agree that their patients should be flossing at least three times each week. People who are more prone to issues like tooth decay should floss more frequently.
Many dentists agree that there is no need to floss more than once a day and many advice their patients to floss right before going to bed. That way, any food particles that are stuck between teeth are removed.
Popular ways to floss
There are many different types of floss that are available nowadays. Those who have a hard time flossing between their teeth because of the tightness can take advantage of waxed dental floss which glides between teeth a lot easier.
Floss picks are an excellent option for people who have a hard time using traditional string floss. Those who wear orthodontic devices like braces can use air or water flossers to keep their interdental spaces free of food particles and bacteria. These devices use air and water pressure respectively to dislodge food particles from areas they are trapped in. Mouthwash can be added to some water flossers for even more protection and fresh breath.
You need to floss regularly
Failing to do so will eventually lead to tooth decay forming at the sides of your teeth. Call or visit our Auburn clinic to learn more about the importance of flossing and how to do it properly.
Request an appointment here: https://pier210dental.com or call Pier 210 Dental Group at (530) 885-5696 for an appointment in our Auburn office.
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