What makes flossing important to your overall commitment to maintaining a healthy smile? When you brush your teeth, you can thoroughly remove plaque and food debris from most areas of your teeth, but the bristles of your brush are less effective at cleaning in those spaces where teeth meet. Unfortunately, many people are satisfied after just brushing, and allow harmful agents to accumulate in those spaces. This can lead to plaque formation, and eventually result in calculus buildup. If you are not doing enough to fully clean your teeth, you may find yourself in need of restorative dental work after your next checkup at our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office.
How Often Should Someone Floss?
Someone who only flosses when something is awkwardly or painfully wedged between teeth can lose out on the benefits of practicing this habit consistently. You should do work to clean between these spaces at least once per day. By adding this to your brushing routine, you can stop the potential accumulation of plaque and calculus. When you allow these substances to build up, it can become difficult to avoid issues with tooth decay. You can also have a harder time preventing gingivitis if calculus forms at the base of your teeth.
Use These Tips To Improve Your Flossing Routine
Flossing regularly is beneficial, but you should also make sure you practice good form. If you only move the floss string back and forth between teeth, or only bring the string part of the way down, you can miss bacteria and food particles that are gathering. Move the string in a vertical motion, and take it all the way to your gum line.
Other Daily Behaviors That Can Be Good For Your Smile
As you think about the benefits of better flossing, it is fair to question if your brushing routine could be improved. Brush at least twice a day, and make sure you spend at least two minutes in order to fully clean every area of your smile. To further protect yourself, drink water with meals to more effectively wash away food debris, and make an effort to cut back on your sugar intake. When better behaviors are in place, you are less likely to have problems that require dental fillings or dental crowns in the future.
Magnolia Family Dental Helps St. Louis, MO Families Prevent Oral Health Problems
Magnolia Family Dental in St. Louis, MO has helped many families maintain healthy, lovely smiles by providing consistent preventive dental care. We have also offered support through a range of cosmetic and restorative services. If you would like to learn more about our practice, call our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office at 314-822-4521.
