You probably understand how brushing your teeth can benefit the health of your entire mouth, but do you know why flossing is important? In reality, there are a number of benefits to flossing, and a few things you may need to do to get the most benefits from your flossing.
When you brush your teeth, you’re removing plaque and bacteria. If you don’t remove bad bacteria from your teeth, you could be more vulnerable to tooth decay. However, you probably realize that your brush can’t reach certain areas of your mouth. To avoid this issue, you’ll need to use floss. Floss can reach these areas, including between your teeth and beneath your gumline.
Still, to enjoy the benefits of flossing, there are a few things you’ll need to do. For instance, it’s extremely important for you to use a clean section of floss for every tooth—meaning you’ll need about 18 inches of floss. You should floss at least once a day, though keeping floss on hand to use after you eat could also be beneficial. You should form a “C” shape when you floss, to remove as much plaque as possible. Finally, don’t expect your gums to bleed when you floss, though they could swell and bleed if you haven’t flossed in some time. However, this shouldn’t last for more than a week.
Do you have more questions about flossing or about how flossing can benefit your oral health? Are you simply hoping to schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Michael Woody? If so, please don’t hesitate to give Peach Tree Dental a call at 417-358-2233. We’ll be happy to inspect your teeth and offer you personalized advice. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions you might have. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
