Flossing is a must, and this step has to be part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing are equally as essential, and most dentists recommend that you clean between your teeth using floss at least once daily. You can floss after every meal or twice a day, but doing it once daily is necessary for oral health.
A toothbrush cannot reach between your teeth to remove plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria. Flossing is the only way to get between your teeth to clean away the plaque, and you will remove food particles that your toothbrush cannot access. The combination of brushing and flossing will successfully remove plaque and particles that remain in your mouth after each meal.
When the bacteria in your mouth can feed, they release an acid that can eat away at your enamel and cause cavities. Enamel is the hard outer shell of your teeth and requires protection. Additionally, plaque that is not cleaned away can eventually harden into tartar and collect on your gum line, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.
When to Floss
Some people like to floss in the morning and make it part of their morning ritual. This would allow you to start your day with a clean mouth, and you can include flossing in your morning oral hygiene routine. Others prefer to floss before bed; doing this at night would allow you to fall asleep with a clean mouth. If you are going to floss once a day, you can choose when to complete this task and even try doing it every morning and night. Brushing twice daily is extremely important; you can add flossing to this routine to maintain a healthy smile.
Some people like flossing after every meal because it removes any food particles stuck in between your teeth. This is another option you can consider if you want to keep your mouth clean throughout the day. There is no such thing as flossing too much; the only time this would be a problem is if you are flossing incorrectly. Applying too much pressure when you floss or doing this too aggressively may damage your teeth and gums.
Is It Better to Brush or Floss First?
The order only matters if you do a thorough job. The most important thing is that you clean all your teeth and practice good oral hygiene habits daily.
Some dentists may recommend flossing first as this will loosen bacteria and debris between teeth, and brushing afterward will clean these particles away. Brushing second can also increase fluoride concentration and reduce the risk of tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel.
Most dentists, however, will tell you that brushing or flossing first is acceptable, and you can decide based on your preference.
Why is Flossing So Important?
Flossing is the only way to remove the plaque that collects between teeth, and this step will help remove debris like food particles that your toothbrush cannot eliminate. The truth is that gunk will rest between your teeth after you eat, and your toothbrush cannot access those tight spaces between them. Flossing is the most effective way to reach these areas and remove any particles lodged between your teeth. If these particles and plaque remain in the spaces between your teeth, they will negatively affect your smile over time and will destroy your teeth.
Just because you cannot see these particles doesn’t mean they are not harmful, and this is why flossing is so important. It must be part of your daily oral hygiene routine if you want to clean your mouth because brushing alone is not enough, and the only way to remove plaque is by incorporating flossing into your routine.
It’s important to note that patients with braces must continue to floss their teeth. The process can be tricky, but your dentist will provide tips and tricks to ensure plaque does not accumulate on your teeth.
Elevate Your Smile With Slipacoff Dental
Are you ready to improve your smile? Slipacoff Dental will provide you with professional recommendations. Whether you want to enhance your flossing technique or are interested in teeth whitening treatments, we do it all and will discuss the best way to strengthen your teeth.
We will further discuss the importance of brushing and flossing, and our staff will schedule regular dental appointments, allowing us to monitor your smile and discuss any signs we find concerning. We will help you develop healthy oral habits to ensure your beautiful smile lasts a lifetime.
We have been serving patients in Sarnia for many years and offer several dental services, including teeth whitening, dental implants and Invisalign treatment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!