You are just completing your six month checkup at the dental office and everything looks great, however, before you can head out the door and just keep doing what you are doing when it comes to your teeth, the hygienist utters those words, “Everything looks great, but you need to be sure you are flossing every day!” As you roll your eyes and head out the door, you, like most people are probably asking yourself…

 The reason you constantly hear us stress the importance of good oral hygiene, flossing in particular, is prevention is key to keeping your pearly whites healthy and happy for as long as possible. Improper oral hygiene can lead to a number of problems, which include, but are not limited to:

Gingivitis/gum disease

Bad breath

Periodontal disease

Tooth loss

Tooth decay

Painful chewing/biting

Tooth sensitivity

Dry mouth

Why is Flossing Important?

Along with brushing twice daily and using an alcohol-free mouth rinse, flossing is a crucial part of everyone’s daily oral hygiene routine. Flossing helps to clean those hard to reach areas in between the teeth and below the gumline. According to the ADA, “Cleaning between teeth removes plaque that can lead to cavities or gum disease from the areas where a toothbrush can’t reach.”

Signs You Are Not Flossing Enough

Bleeding gums

Red or inflamed gums

Gum soreness

Receding gum line

How to Floss

Flossing is easy and can be completed in less than one minute. Learn more about proper flossing technique by reading our article, “How to Floss”.

Flossing Questions?

If you have questions about flossing always feel free to ask your hygienist or dentist on your next visit!