The Benefits of Interdental Cleaning (Flossing)

 

Don't Floss It Off! The Benefits of Interdental Cleaning

Flossing, also known as interdental cleaning, is a crucial but often neglected aspect of oral hygiene. While brushing reaches the surfaces of your teeth, floss tackles what a toothbrush can't: the tight spaces between your teeth. Here's why incorporating flossing into your routine is essential for a healthy smile and overall oral health.

Combating Plaque Buildup:

• Plaque is a sticky film teeming with bacteria that forms on teeth. Left unchecked, plaque hardens into tartar, which can irritate gums and lead to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
• Brushing removes plaque from reachable surfaces, but floss is essential for removing plaque between teeth, where it can easily build up unnoticed.

Reducing Gum Disease Risk:

• Gum disease is a progressive infection of the gums that can damage soft tissue and bone. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
• Regular flossing removes plaque and bacteria buildup at the gumline, helping to prevent gingivitis and reduce the risk of gum disease progression.

Fresher Breath:

• Food particles and bacteria trapped between teeth can contribute to bad breath, also known as halitosis.
• Flossing removes these odor-causing culprits, leaving your breath fresher for longer.

Improved Overall Oral Health:

• Flossing is a key player in maintaining good oral hygiene. By removing plaque and bacteria from between teeth, you're contributing to a healthier mouth overall. This can benefit your smile's appearance and reduce the risk of other oral health problems.

Flossing Techniques:

• There's a right way and a wrong way to floss! Using improper technique can irritate your gums.
• Here's a basic flossing technique:
  • Wrap about 18 inches of floss around your middle fingers.
  • Use a gentle sawing motion to guide the floss between your teeth.
  • Curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape to clean the sides.
  • Repeat for all your teeth, using a clean section of floss for each tooth.

Alternatives to Traditional Flossing:

• If you find traditional flossing difficult, there are alternatives:
  • Interdental brushes: These tiny brushes resemble pipe cleaners and can be effective for cleaning between teeth.
  • Water flossers: These devices use a pressurized stream of water to clean between teeth.

Remember:

• Flossing should be done once a day, ideally before bedtime.
• Be gentle when flossing to avoid irritating your gums.
• If you have any questions or concerns about flossing technique, talk to your dentist.

Flossing: A Simple Step for a Healthier Smile

By incorporating flossing into your daily routine, you can remove plaque and bacteria from those hard-to-reach spaces, freshen your breath, and contribute to a healthier mouth overall. So don't floss it off – make interdental cleaning a priority for a happy and healthy smile!