When most people think of oral hygiene, they tend to focus on only brushing. However, flossing is just as essential. Unfortunately, many people overlook this critical step. Among U.S. adults over 30 years of age, 32% say they never floss.[1] However, here’s what you should know from your trusted periodontist in Rochester, NY, at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester about incorporating flossing into your daily oral routine.
Why Flossing Is Essential for Gum Health
Flossing is an essential part of your daily routine. It reaches places your toothbrush can’t, particularly between teeth and around the gum line. Plaque can build up in these common areas, leading to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed effectively.
The plaque that builds up in the hard-to-reach areas between teeth will harden into tartar, which can only be removed through professional teeth cleaning. That’s one reason why you should come in for regular cleanings. However, remembering to floss at home can keep major tartar deposits from forming in the first place.
Omitting flossing from your oral hygiene routine leaves a major weakness in your defense against periodontal disease. This is why incorporating both brushing and flossing gives you the best possible protection for your oral health.
How Flossing Prevents Plaque Buildup and Gum Disease
Bacteria are always present in your mouth, forming a sticky biofilm called plaque.[2] This accumulation between teeth and along the gum line leads to irritated and inflamed gums, marking the earliest gum disease stage.
It’s essential to floss regularly to remove plaque buildup around the gum line. Bacteria thrive in these areas, which can lead to the formation of gum pockets. These pockets provide the optimal environment for bacteria to grow, enabling gum disease to develop and progress rapidly.[2]
Ideally, you should floss every time you brush your teeth to remove plaque, bits of food, and bacteria as effectively as possible. This key preventive measure can reduce the need for more serious intervention later.
Proper Flossing Techniques for Gum Disease Prevention
Implementing the proper flossing technique is just as essential to ensuring effective protection against gum disease. To start, take about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around a finger on each hand so that you can hold a small length taut between them.
Then, slide the floss between your teeth, moving it back and forth against the surface and the gumline. As you transition to the next tooth gap, advance to a fresh section of floss to avoid spreading bacteria around your mouth.
The Long-Term Health Benefits of Regular Flossing
Flossing provides long-term oral health benefits that make it well worth adding to your oral hygiene routine. Removing debris and plaque reduces the risk of inflammation, letting you enjoy a comfortable smile and avoid symptoms such as discomfort and swelling.
It also helps reduce the risk of gum disease, which can lead to serious complications, such as tooth loss.[2] Additionally, gum disease impacts whole-body health and is linked to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.[3]
By consistently flossing twice daily, you remove plaque buildup and the bacteria that increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. In the long run, maintaining your smile with regular flossing will help you avoid procedures such as root canal treatment or tooth replacement.
Find Out More From Your Periodontist in Rochester, NY
The importance of flossing to prevent gum disease cannot be overstated enough. If you have any concerns about your gum health, you can always discuss them with your trusted periodontist in Rochester, NY, at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester.
Call us at 585-534-3346 or contact us online today for advice and a full range of periodontal services.
Sources:
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6434526/
[2] https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/ask-the-expert
