Everyone knows that they need to brush their teeth 2-3 times daily. People also know that they are supposed to floss their teeth, however, it is amazing how few people are actually very disciplined with flossing. We hear people say, “I don’t have time for that”, or “that takes too long-I brush, that’s good enough”. The fact is that although brushing is crucial to your oral health, brushing alone is not good enough.
Flossing is crucial to good oral health
Everyone’s mouth has bacteria present. By removing as much of the bacteria as possible, we can prevent the bacteria from developing into plaque, which damages teeth and gums. Flossing your teeth removes food particles and bacteria in between the teeth that your toothbrush couldn’t reach and remove. If teeth are not flossed properly and often (at least once daily), one will become susceptible to serious periodontal (gum) problems and ultimately, loss of bone. Your jaw bones are what anchor your teeth securely in your mouth. If bone loss occurs, it is quite likely one will also lose the teeth located in the area of that bone loss.
What can you do to reduce the chances of periodontal and bone loss problems? The answer is quite simple, but it’s up to you to follow through with it. First, be sure to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste 2-3 times daily and start a regimen of flossing at least once daily. Seeing your dentist and hygienist at least every 6 months for a professional cleaning and examination is also crucial in the fight against tooth decay and periodontal problems. My office provides many types of periodontal cleaning procedures in order to prevent serious problems such as bone loss. Visit http://www.vanguarddentalgroup.com/nh-dental-services/general-dentistry.php to learn more about our preventative services and how we work closely with our patients to help them keep their natural teeth. That extra 5 minutes a day you spend flossing is more crucial than you probably ever realized!
