The importance of flossing

Next to brushing, flossing is the most important step to ensure you are maintaining a healthy mouth and teeth. When you brush your teeth and floss, you are reducing the number of bacteria that feed on food particles stuck between your teeth and your mouth that produces acids and could develop into cavities. Plaques are removed every time you brush your teeth after eating, but not all particles of food left in your teeth will be swept away by brushing.

Dental floss is one practice of good oral hygiene that removes the bacteria that has escaped from the toothbrush bristles. When you brush your teeth, only about 65 percent of the bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth are removed. According to my Modesto Dentist you have to floss at least once daily to remove the remaining bacteria stuck between your teeth.

If you do not floss, the plaque that remains stuck between your teeth will eventually harden into what we call tartar, and this is a substance that needs a trip to the dentist to be removed. As you go on without dental flossing each day, more bacteria will build up with in the tartar which could result to gum irritation and inflammation, and eventually to periodontal disease that would lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.

There are many brands of dental floss available in the market. Choose the kinds that do not break and easily slides between your teeth. In the long run, you will find that the simple task of flossing your teeth after brushing will spare you the agony of sitting in a dental chair and having your mouth and teeth drilled to dig out the cavities, or paying out thousands of dollars for a cosmetic dentist or restorative procedure.  Think of dental floss as a cheap, simple, and preventive measure that will free you from future pains.