Are you one of the many people who floss diligently for a few days after a trip to the dentist, but then forget about it until your next dental appointment? Unfortunately, by skipping flossing you are putting your dental health at risk. Here are five reasons to floss every day, not just when your dentist reminds you to do it.
1. Brushing Is Not Enough
You might think that brushing your teeth is enough to keep them clean, but unfortunately that's not the case. In fact, some dentists claim that flossing is even more important than brushing, as it removes plaque from the deep cracks between your teeth and around the gumline, where bacteria love to multiply. Brushing only cleans the front and back surfaces of your teeth, which isn't enough to protect them from decay.
2. Flossing Improves Gum Health
Many people don't floss because it "hurts their gums". While flossing can be uncomfortable if you haven't done it for a long time, sticking with it can make your gums stronger and less sensitive. Flossing every day for just two weeks can reduce bleeding from the gums by as much as 40 percent. If you can work through any mild bleeding or discomfort during your first fortnight, flossing will become easier and more comfortable.
3. Flossing Every Day Keeps Tartar Away
If you don't remove plaque from your teeth regularly, it will eventually harden into a yellow, scaly substance called tartar. Whereas plaque can be easily brushed away or scraped from your teeth with dental floss, tartar is much more difficult to remove. Once tartar has built up on your teeth, you'll need a professional teeth cleaning treatment to get rid of it.
4. Skipping Flossing is Gross
When you don't floss, you give bacteria the opportunity to multiply in the tiny gaps between your teeth. These bacteria create odours that contribute to bad breath. If you want to see the effect for yourself, smell the dental floss you used to floss your teeth after skipping for a few days. It's pretty gross, isn't it?
5. You Don't Have to Use String Floss
Do you find string floss difficult to pull between your teeth and manoeuvre around your mouth? You don't have to use it. There are plenty of other options, including interdental bushes, which can be a good option for people with very tightly packed teeth. Floss tape is another good option, as it is designed to glide smoothly over your tooth surfaces and feel gentle on your gums. If you can't find a flossing method that works for you, ask your dentist for advice.
Share27 June 2016
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
