Why Flossing Still Matters

Flossing your teeth may not be the most exciting part of your oral health routine, but it is one of the easiest ways to protect your teeth from decay and gum disease.  At Hughes Dental Group, our first priority is your oral health, and we feel it’s important to debunk the myth that flossing is not necessary for your dental health. In fact, flossing your teeth is as important as ever.

Flossing is an Important Part of Maintaining Good Oral Health

Flossing should be part of every oral health routine. Here are just some of the benefits.

Flossing prevents decay between the teeth - Your toothbrush just can’t get to these hard-to-reach spots. A combination of thorough brushing and flossing is your best defense against cavities. Flossing will break up harmful bacteria that can wreak havoc on your oral health.

Flossing slows the staining process - Reduce the amount of yellow plaque between teeth to develop a whiter, brighter smile.

Flossing stops minor cavities from growing - The best defense against cavities is brushing and flossing daily, but did you know that flossing can also stop small cavities in their tracks? By breaking up food particles and daily bacterial growth, enamel wear is slowed and stopped by flossing.

Flossing minimizes the effects of gum disease - Half the population of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. Flossing your teeth regularly is one of the best methods of prevention. Flossing eliminates food particles between teeth and stimulates the growth of healthy gum tissue.

Flossing Tips

Choose a comfortable floss - Not all floss is created equal. There are many brands to choose from, and it’s important to try a few out until you find a brand that you like. If you buy a floss that you don’t like, you may neglect to floss altogether.

If you don’t like flossing - If you’ve experimented with different brands and you still don’t enjoy flossing, try using floss sticks, interdental brushes, or a Waterpik. All of these clean between your teeth, just like dental floss. The most effective tool is the one you’ll actually use.

Don’t snap the floss against your gums - Gently work your floss up between your teeth and gums, as this will thoroughly clean them.

Be sure to floss the outside of your back molars - It’s surprising how much plaque can build up in these spots. They are often neglected and result in cavity development.

Flossing is an important part of a good dental hygiene routine. If you brush and floss daily, you will prevent dental issues and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Be sure to schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with our Campbell, California office. Hughes Dental Group is open Monday through Friday and occasional Saturdays for your convenience.