Many people equate oral hygiene solely to brushing their teeth. Flossing is arguably as important as brushing your teeth. The benefits and proper procedures of brushing teeth are not lost to many. However, flossing is usually relegated to being unimportant. U.S. News reports that only approximately 30% of the people in the U.S. floss daily despite benefits such as preventing tooth decay and other associated tooth complications.
Benefits of Flossing
Flossing has a plethora of benefits. First, it gets rid of plaque. Plaque is a sticky colorless coating that forms between and around your teeth and along your gum line. Plaque harbors bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
Secondly, flossing reduces the risk of cavities and helps prevent gum disease by removing plaque. Thirdly, it helps to reduce bad breath. Food trapped between your teeth decays in a slow gradual process that causes bad breath.
How to Floss
Cut around 18 inches of floss and curl it around your middle or index fingers, whichever you prefer leaving about 3 inches to floss with. Securing the floss in place, gently slide it between your teeth in an up-and-down motion.
Be sure to gently curve it at the base of each tooth taking care not to go beneath the gum line as this may bruise the gums. Repeat the process for each tooth by using clean parts of the floss.
Types of Floss
There are two main types of floss, which are monofilament or PTFE floss and multifilament or nylon floss. The latter can be waxed or unwaxed and is cheap but susceptible to shredding or tearing between teeth while flossing. PTFE is more expensive but very efficient. If you are experiencing tooth pain, call us today and we will book an appointment to help you solve these issues.
Dental Blog - San Antonio • Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists We post dental blogs to pique your interest and educate our San Antonio community about topics related to dentistry, dental implants, and oral health. Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists, 1130 E Sonterra Blvd, Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78258 \ (210) 614-4700 \ aestheticperiodontist.com \ 12/26/2024 \ Tags: Dental Implants San Antonio TX \
Many people equate oral hygiene solely to brushing their teeth. Flossing is arguably as important as brushing your teeth. The benefits and proper procedures of brushing teeth are not lost to many. However, flossing is usually relegated to being unimportant. U.S. News reports that only approximately 30% of the people in the U.S. floss daily despite benefits such as preventing tooth decay and other associated tooth complications.