Why Flossing Is More Important Than You Think

Even families who have good dental hygiene practices sometimes overlook daily flossing. And if you have young children who are just learning all there is to know about keeping healthy teeth and gums, flossing should be part of the routine. At Woodlane Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re committed to helping your whole family maintain beautiful smiles for life. Here’s why flossing several times a day can help make that happen

Dental Floss Reaches Places Your Toothbrush Can’t

Regardless of which type of toothbrush you buy or how much you pay for it, it’s simply not going to reach all the crevices between your teeth. This is especially true for teeth that fit tightly, neatly together. It’s easy to brush after every meal and still miss small particles of food that can cause plaque buildup and cavities. But when you use floss to get between teeth and into tight corners, even the tiniest debris gets flushed away. In this way, your mouth stays cleaner and you run less of a risk of tooth decay.

Flossing Helps Prevent the Onset of Gum Disease

The bacteria present in plaque are instrumental in causing gum disease. This is a condition that may cause gums to bleed and teeth to loosen. Gum disease causes other problems, too. These include:

• Bad breath
• Tooth loss
• Gum infections
• Pain and discomfort

If you have gum disease, your teeth may bleed when you brush them. This condition may also cause your gums to recede from your teeth and may even contribute to bone loss. Brushing your teeth regularly and flossing once daily goes a long way toward preventing gum disease.

Your Breath Stays Fresher With Flossing

All those little particles of food that lodge between teeth and linger cause bad odors inside your mouth. This can lead to chronic halitosis or constant bad breath. By flossing away debris before it has time to ferment or decay, you can keep the inside of your mouth smelling fresh.

Come see us today at Woodlane Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Woodbury, MN, for all your family’s dental health care needs. Offering convenient office hours and friendly staff, we’ll help keep your family in dazzling smiles for life. Call us today, or stop by to book your next appointment.