“Do you floss regularly?” That is, perhaps, the most common question dentists ask their patients. Flossing is an integral part of oral health care, and doing it on a regular basis, along with a correct tooth brushing, can make an enormous difference in your oral health. Its purpose is not only making your teeth look clean, free of food debris, but it rather has much deeper implications. As the leading pediatric dentist and orthodontist in Ridgewood Valley, we’ve summarized the main reason why flossing is fundamental for an optimal oral health care.
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Brushing Alone Is Not Enough
While tooth brushing plays an important role in oral hygiene, it needs to be complemented by flossing. A toothbrush removes plaque to a certain extent because its bristles can only reach the most superficial areas of the teeth. In fact, it is said that it only cleans effectively about only one-third of the teeth and mouth. For this reason, flossing is the perfect complement to brushing. It allows cleaning the places a toothbrush cannot reach such as in between teeth and under the gums.
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It Helps to Keep Gums Healthy
The area where the gums and the teeth meet is the most vulnerable to plaque build-up, which eventually turns into tartar. When tartar accumulates, it can lead to gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. And, if gingivitis is not treated early and properly, it can evolve into a more serious disease such as periodontitis. Additionally, although there is no conclusive scientific evidence, research shows that there is a relation between gum disease and the development of other illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
All of this can be easily prevented by flossing every day, paying attention to the gums, something that many people overlook. By doing this, you will remove the plaque that can later become into tartar and, in this way, prevent any future complications.
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It Saves You Money in the Long Run
A good and complete oral hygiene routine from an early age can make the difference between having outstanding or unhealthy teeth. In the same way, it can make the difference in having to spend thousands of dollars in dental procedures in the future. A person who has a thorough and frequent dental hygiene routine will not have to worry about costly procedures to revert the damage caused by plaque and tartar not only to their teeth but also to their gums.
Pediatric Dental Associates is one of the most renowned pediatric dentist and orthodontist in Ridgewood Valley companies. For more information or to book an appointment, call us now at (201) 652-7020.
