Dental care is often underlooked, which can lead to serious and expensive consequences. One of the easiest things you can do to improve your oral health is to add the simple 2-minute task of flossing to your everyday routine.
For some, flossing can be an inconvenience or even a painful experience, but getting into the habit will be beneficial to you in more ways than one! Here's everything you need to know about flossing and protecting your oral health!
Benefits of Flossing
It only takes a few days for plaque to turn into stubborn tartar. If you don't floss, you're leaving about a third of your teeth vulnerable to dangerous plaque. This could cause gingivitis, gum disease, and even tooth decay.
Bacteria in your mouth can impact other parts of your body. That's why flossing isn't just good for your smile, it's good for your overall health as well. You reduce your risk of heart disease and other illnesses by flossing.
Alongside general dentistry, flossing will give you a healthier mouth and a more stunning smile!
How to Floss
The first step to flossing teeth is to find the floss that works for you. There are multiple kinds beyond the standard flavoured and unflavored; you can choose tape, waxed and unwaxed, or super floss. Electric or water flossers work like dental floss and may be easier to use as well.
It's better to floss before you brush your teeth. This way, the plaque that you loosen up will be brushed away.
If you're using a strand of dental floss, make sure you use about 18 inches so that you can always find a clean area. Wash your hands before you begin to keep germs out of your mouth.
Finally, remember that flossing should be an up and down movement along the entire length of your tooth, not a saw-like back and forth near the gum line.
Floss once a day for the best results, but any flossing at all is better than nothing!
Beyond Flossing
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is also crucial to your oral health. The surface of your teeth is home to thousands of cavity-causing bacteria, and cleaning them can keep your mouth in great condition.
Mouthwash can also kill bacteria hidden in the hard-to-reach parts of your mouth. Use a mouth wash with fluoride for extra tooth protection.
See a dentist at Linwell Park Dental Centre regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Dentists are able to spot and resolve issues in your mouth before they can become big problems!
Take Care of Your Teeth
Your oral health reflects and affects the health of your entire body. Brushing and flossing regularly will go a long way towards ensuring your mouth stays in top condition. Start implementing good dental habits now to keep yourself smiling for years to come!
There's more to dental care than flossing; to take your oral health to the next level, contact Linwell Park Dental Centre for an appointment today! We can meet all of your general dentistry needs in St. Catherines!