Why is flossing so beneficial? Your toothbrush is designed to effectively remove food debris and bacteria in your mouth, but it can be less than ideal as a tool to clean spaces between teeth. With a regular flossing regimen, you can be sure to remove food particles and bacteria that are present in these tight areas, which serves to protect you against tooth decay as well as gum disease. Sure, your Ankeny, IA dentist’s office can provide a comprehensive teeth cleaning during a routine checkup, but these spaces should be cleaned on a daily basis if you want to avoid problems that require restorative dental work. While consistency matters, remember to be thorough when working your floss string between teeth.
Why A Good Flossing Routine Matters To Your Oral Health
If all you do to clean your teeth is brush them, you can do a less effective job at removing bacteria and food debris than you realize. By flossing, you target areas that are hard to access, but still leave room for harmful agents to accumulate. People who only floss to remove issues with food painfully wedged between teeth can allow plaque to form, which can lead to tartar buildup. Once this occurs, you can be vulnerable to cavities, and you can find it difficult to avoid gingivitis.
Avoid These Mistakes With Flossing
Remember that oral bacteria gather and multiply each day, so an effective daily oral care routine matters. Incorporating flossing into your daily routine will be beneficial, but take care to work the string up and down between teeth. By doing this, you remove all of the particles that may be present, and you can take care to clean at your gum line. A habit of only moving floss back and forth between teeth can do less to protect you than you might realize, as portions of your teeth still go uncleaned.
Other Daily Behaviors That Can Help You Maintain A Healthy Smile
- Do you struggle with a tendency to clench or grind your teeth? Recognizing this habit, and making an effort to correct it, can protect you against dental wear and tear. It can also make you less likely to grind your teeth while sleeping.
- When you brush your teeth aggressively, you can wear down your enamel, which makes you more likely to develop cavities. If you have recently received a dental filling or dental crown despite a “thorough” oral hygiene routine, a less aggressive brushing motion may be beneficial.
- Do not underestimate the importance of a healthy diet. Mindful eating and an increase in water consumption can help you cut back on sugars, which makes you less likely to develop problems with tooth decay.
Dental Impressions Provides Oral Health Support For Ankeny Families!
At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, individuals who are struggling with oral health issues can receive oral health care as well as guidance on how to prevent future problems. To find out more, please call Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230.
