Know The Importance of Flossing & Its Benefits

There's one cardinal rule when it comes to food: It should leave your belly full and not your teeth. We seldom forget to wash our hands after a meal, but we seldom remember to rinse our mouths and floss our teeth. It may seem like a small slip up, but this mistake gives enough opportunity for the left-over food particles to cause cavities in your mouth. Unfortunately, a vast number of people have no idea about the practice of flossing and its importance.

Dental Clinic Experts Explain Why Is Flossing Mandatory?

It is mandatory to floss daily for the same reasons why you must brush your teeth every day. Failing to floss causes everything from cavities and bad breath to gum diseases and tooth loss. If brushing cleanses your oral cavity, it is flossing that helps get rid of the bits and pieces of food between your teeth. Consistent flossing also curbs the formation of gooey plaque and protects your oral health.

Clearly, there are a lot more benefits you can gain from flossing every day. According to dental researchers at the leading dental hospital in Gowrivakkam, flossing plays a multifaceted role in your overall dental health.

• Accentuates your smile

Did you know that by failing to floss, you are spoiling your lovely smile? Dental experts advise that flossing is a very effective way to brighten your teeth and enhance the appearance of your gums. After all, there's nothing that can beat a radiant smile that showcases your pearly whites and a healthy gum line. Flossing ensures a smile that can last a lifetime.

• Refreshes your breath

Flossing after brushing your teeth is a double sure way to freshen your breath in the morning. There are wonderful flossing tools that can reach far into the crevices in your teeth and deftly remove the trapped food particles that can cause a bad stench. Above all, a super fresh breath gives you the confidence you need for the whole day.

• Minimises cavity risk

When you don't floss, you are unknowingly allowing bacteria to breed in your mouth happily. The bacteria is the primary reason behind foul breath, cavities, and tooth decay. The breeding colonies of bacteria will slowly start eating through the enamel of your teeth, exposing the inner surface and causing cavities.

• Minimises cardiovascular risks

How many of us know that gum diseases play an insidious role in increasing the risk of heart diseases and stroke? According to the Cleveland Clinic, oral bacteria that cause periodontal diseases can move into the bloodstream and induce inflammation in the blood vessels. This, in turn, causes narrowing of the arteries, resulting in cardiovascular conditions. A simple way to keep your heart safe is to floss every day.

• Prevents gum diseases

The American Dental Association warns that bacteria present in plaque causes inflammation of the gums. Left untreated, this condition can lead to severe gum diseases. You can reduce the risk of bleeding and swollen gums, receding gums, and loss of teeth and bones by flossing regularly.

It is, therefore, clear that flossing is an everyday routine. However, you may not glean these benefits if you do not know how to floss the right way. There are some common mistakes that you ought to avoid while flossing. Let's take a look.

Also Read: Preventive Dental Care: The Need Of The Hour

Common Flossing Mistakes: What Not To Do When Flossing

• Not flossing the entire tooth

Are you simply sliding the floss down and pulling it over your teeth? If so, you may be getting only 50% of the job done. You need to ensure that you clean both sides of the teeth when you are moving the floss up and down.

• • Using the same section of floss

When you floss, you remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from between a section of your teeth. If you use the same section of the floss to clean all the teeth in your mouth, you are spreading the bacteria to all the parts of your oral cavity. Discard the used floss and use fresh sections after you've cleaned a section of your teeth.

• Avoiding flossing your dental appliances

Are you wary of flossing because you are wearing dental appliances? This is a common mistake people often make under the assumption that flossing may damage dentures or braces. If you are flossing with dental appliances, you must ensure that you floss around them. For example, if you are using a dental bridge, you need to use a floss threader. You may also ask the experts at your nearest dental clinic for guidance if you are unsure about how to do it.

• Using the wrong flossing tools

Most people are unaware that various types of dental floss can be used for different flossing purposes. Some flosses are made specifically for teeth with gaps in between, while others work better with teeth that are very close together. It is always safer to ask your dentist and use the right flossing tool for your teeth.

• Using floss the wrong way

People often end up hurting their gums when they use floss the wrong way. Remember that dental floss is strong, and snapping it between your teeth will cause injury and bleeding. It will cause the gums to recede in due time, or worse; it will cause gum disease.

• Quitting when gums bleed

A little bleeding from the gums may deter people from making flossing habits. As long as you are doing it right, you will not harm your gums.

• Flossing too quickly and frequently

Flossing once a day is more than enough. Ideally, you should floss in the morning after brushing or at night before bedtime. Avoid flossing too quickly, for it will injure your gums.

Did You Know These Interesting Facts About Flossing?

• You need to spend only 2-3 minutes per day to floss.
• Your floss string should be 18 to 20 inches in length.
• Waxed and unwaxed floss is available everywhere. Waxed floss is easier to use because it slips easily in between the teeth.
• You can even buy floss in interesting flavours like cotton candy and bacon.
• Flossing cleans your mouth more than brushing does.

Oral health and hygiene require a bit of effort to give you long-lasting results. Therefore, you ought to make flossing a part of your daily oral care routine. If you have any doubts about flossing, you can always reach out to our dental experts at our dental clinic in Medavakkam. We can guide you with the right practices to ensure proper oral care for a lifetime!