Is brushing teeth twice a day not enough for cleaning the mouth?
Oral Hygiene is an important factor in maintaining overall health. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), one must brush teeth twice a day. It is also recommended to floss once every day.
But people often wonder – why to floss?
Before we know the why of Flossing, let’s understand what is Flossing?
What is Flossing?
Ever tried removing that food debris from your teeth using your tongue?
Flossing comes as your savior. How good it would feel to remove that particle.
Flossing is a process in which a thin filament called dental floss is used to clean teeth. The cleaning has to be done between the teeth and gums. These are the two surfaces of your mouth- mesial and distal- where your regular brush can’t reach.
If left uncleaned, plaque accumulates in between the teeth. This leads to the formation of tartar which can’t be self-cleaned at home. Visit the Best dental clinic Ludhiana for tartar removal.
About the Dental Floss-
- Usually made of nylon or silk.
- Available in ribbon and string form.
- Can be unwaxed, slightly waxed or fully waxed.
Flossing Alternatives to clean between your teeth include- Traditional Floss, Floss Holder, Interdental Brush and Dental Picks.
Why is Flossing Important?
- Removal of Food Debris
Toothbrush or even a toothpick can’t remove the food particles at times. Food particles that remain stuck in between the teeth can be removed using floss.
- Removal of Plaque
Plaque is a colorless and sticky film present between teeth and along the gum line. It is formed when the bacteria inside your mouth gets mixed with the starch or sugary substance. Flossing can help remove plaque and further damage to your teeth.
- Prevention of Tartar
Tartar is the hardened form of plaque. It is formed in between the teeth and the gum line. It can irritate the gums and cause further infection.
Regular flossing can prevent this condition. Once tartar is formed, it needs ‘Dental Scaling’ by a trained professional. Book your appointment with the Best dentist in Ludhiana today.
- Reduces the risk of Dental Caries
Dental caries or cavities can cause tooth decay. A tooth cavity is a tiny hole in the tooth enamel. It results due to prolonged plaque formation and unclear food debris.
Cavities can be extremely painful but regular flossing can prevent such a condition. So, make sure to floss once daily. If you have developed cavities, get it treated at the earliest. Contact the Best dentist in Ludhiana.
- Prevention of Gum Diseases
Are you experiencing inflammation around your gums?
- It may be a sign of Gingivitis – the onset of gum disease.
- If left untreated, it can further lead to periodontitis- a more serious gum infection.
- In this, your gums can loosen up which further leads to teeth loosening.
- Bone support is also lost by the teeth.
- The inflammation can spread to the whole body.
But, regular brushing, flossing and scaling can help prevent gum diseases. If you are experiencing any such symptom, consult a dentist at the Best dental clinic Ludhiana.
- Do away with bad breath
Who doesn’t like to smell good?
But, if plaque and food particles are not removed well in time, it causes bad breath. And, if you choose to floss and brush every day, freshness will be at your disposal.
How to Floss?
Are you thinking of skipping on flossing just because you don’t know how to?
So, here’s a step-by-step process for you to follow:
- Take about 18 to 24 inches of the dental floss.
- Leave 1-2 inches of the floss thread for your teeth.
- Wind rest of the floss around both of your middle fingers.
- With your thumbs and index fingers, hold the floss taut.
- Keep the dental floss in between your teeth and floss it up and down.
- Rub the floss against both sides of the teeth.
- Be careful not to glide it into your gums.
- Form a C shape with the floss when it reaches your gums.
- Repeat the process from tooth to tooth.
Flossing is vital to maintaining oral hygiene. This process will keep your teeth clean and diseases at bay. But, don’t forget to regularly visit the Best dentist in Ludhiana for healthier and shinier teeth.
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