Do You Really Need To Floss?

Flossing is important for your overall dental health. We’ve all been told that regular brushing and flossing is essential for good oral hygiene, but only 49% of adults floss every day – 10% admit to not flossing at all. So how important is flossing?

A study published by the Associated Press a while back suggested that the medical benefits of flossing is unproven. Flossing has been known to reduce the risk of gum disease. Since gum disease progresses slowly – many have since questioned whether this research tracks people long enough to draw a solid conclusion.

So what do we know?

We know that food can get caught between teeth, in places that a toothbrush can’t reach. We have to remove that food and flossing is the best way to do it. If not removed, bacteria can grow which can lead to gum inflammation and tooth decay.

Some people will avoid flossing because the fear their gums will bleed, but flossing is a technique that actually improves gum health. When you floss, you eliminate the plaque that has built up on your gums. If you don’t remove the plaque, the germs and bacteria can cause damage to your teeth and gums. If ignored, plaque will become harder, making it even more difficult to remove. Hardened plaque will make your teeth much more vulnerable and prone to decay.

In most situations the build-up of plaque results in cavities as well as gum diseases. However, everything can be treated easily by keeping your regularly scheduled dental visits. Always pay attention to what is happening in your mouth and be sure to discuss and changes or concerns at your regular visits. Catching problems early on will elminate bigger problems down the road.

If you aren’t flossing every time you brush your teeth, you should seriously consider adding this step to your regular routine. By flossing you can easily clean out the particles of food stuck in those unreachable places, and you will prevent plaque from piling up.

If you are unsure of proper flossing techniques or if you’ve had dental work that makes flossing more of a challenge, be sure to bring this up at your next visit and we will be happy to help.