When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing your teeth is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, while brushing is undeniably essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, there’s another step in the routine that often gets overlooked. This is flossing. Despite its critical role, many people still skip flossing, assuming that brushing alone is enough. The truth is that flossing is just as important, if not more so when it comes to preventing cavities, and gum disease, and maintaining overall oral health.
Flossing in a nutshell.
Flossing is a simple process, yet it plays a crucial role in cleaning the areas between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Dental floss is a thin, flexible piece of string, often made from nylon or Teflon, designed to slide between teeth and remove food particles and plaque build-up. By doing so, flossing helps prevent the formation of harmful bacteria that contribute to various dental problems. While brushing is effective at cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, it can’t get into the tiny spaces between them, which is where flossing comes in.
Benefits of flossing
- Preventing cavities
One of the primary benefits of flossing is its ability to prevent cavities. Cavities occur when plaque builds up on teeth and produces acids that erode tooth enamel. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surface of teeth. This plaque can accumulate in areas that brushing can’t reach, particularly between the teeth. Flossing regularly helps remove this plaque, reducing the chances of cavities developing in these hard-to-reach spaces.
If left untreated, cavities can lead to more severe dental issues, including tooth decay, root infections, and the need for costly dental treatments like fillings or root canals. By incorporating flossing into your daily routine, you significantly reduce the likelihood of cavities forming, protecting both your teeth and your wallet.
- Reducing the risk of gum disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is another significant risk factor that can arise from neglecting flossing. Gum disease begins with gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup along the gum line. If gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
Flossing plays an essential role in preventing gum disease by removing the plaque that can irritate the gums. When plaque is left to accumulate, it hardens into tartar. Tartar can cause the gums to become swollen, tender, and bleed easily. Flossing helps keep your gums healthy by preventing plaque buildup and reducing inflammation, ultimately lowering the risk of developing gum disease.
- Freshening your breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, is another issue that flossing can help alleviate. Often, the source of bad breath is food particles trapped between your teeth, where bacteria break them down, producing foul odours. Brushing your teeth can help eliminate some of this debris, but it doesn’t reach the spaces between your teeth. Flossing removes food particles from these hidden areas, helping to freshen your breath and maintain a more pleasant-smelling mouth.
Does oral health influence overall health?
Maintaining oral hygiene isn’t just about keeping your teeth and gums healthy; it also has a significant impact on your overall health. Research has shown that poor oral hygiene, including neglecting flossing, can lead to a variety of health issues beyond just cavities and gum disease.
For instance, gum disease has been linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. The bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, potentially contributing to inflammation and complications in other organs. By flossing regularly, you’re not only safeguarding your oral health but also protecting your general well-being.
How to floss properly
Many people don’t floss correctly, which can lead to ineffective cleaning or even harm to the gums. To floss properly, follow these steps:
- Use about 18 inches of dental floss—this allows you to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
- Wrap the ends of the floss around your fingers, leaving a small gap between your hands.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth—be careful not to snap or force it, as this can damage your gums.
- Curve the floss around each tooth, making a C-shape, and move it up and down to remove plaque and debris.
- Repeat this process for each tooth, using a clean section of floss as you move around your mouth.
How often should you floss?
The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day, preferably before brushing your teeth. This ensures that you’re removing the maximum amount of plaque and food particles before brushing, which helps your toothbrush work more effectively. Ideally, flossing should be part of your evening routine, so you can go to bed with a clean mouth.
Take away
Incorporating flossing into your daily oral care routine is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. While brushing is vital for cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, flossing reaches the spaces between your teeth and along the gum line, areas where plaque can accumulate and cause serious dental issues. At Nairobi Sterling Dental Clinic, we have qualified, certified and experienced dental experts with years of experience in dental practices. They offer worthwhile insights and knowledge on the best practices for dental care. Do you want to be part of this amazing family? Visit our clinic at the Park Suites Building in Parklands, or contact us for enquiries. You can also book an appointment for consultations with our dentists and learn how to turn your dental health around for the best.