Posted on 7/15/2019 by Amir Sanjabi, DDS
Brushing your teeth helps remove the bacteria and food that is on your teeth at the end of the day. Flossing the teeth can help clean the spaces between the teeth and gums.
Most people assume that the flossing helps remove any of the food particles that get caught between the teeth. They don’t realize that flossing can do more than that. Learning what else flossing does may help convince more people to include this habit in their oral health routine.
Flossing Helps The Gum
One of the reasons that people stop flossing is because they see blood from their gums when they floss. They figure that they are doing more harm than good. The problem is that flossing can improve the health of the gums. When done regularly, it can prevent the gums from bleeding. Most people suffer from bleeding either when they first start flossing or when they use the wrong technique flossing.
The danger to the gums comes from the buildup of bacteria and plaque. Because a toothbrush cannot reach the space between the teeth and gums easily, it does not remove the bacteria that grows there. Left unchecked, it will turn into plaque and will lead to gum disease. Floss is the best way to remove that bacteria and to prevent the buildup of plaque. It can also help with removal of the plaque over time.
Part Of A Habit
The key to good oral health is to follow good habits. Including flossing means you are giving your teeth and gums the protection they need against problems. The healthier your teeth and gums are, the better your smile is. When you floss, you remove food particles and the bacteria that try to harm your oral health. It is a habit worth repeating every day.
For more information about this or any other oral health issue, contact our office to schedule an appointment.