Have You Kept Up Your Flossing?

Have You Kept Up Your Flossing?

Is flossing part of your daily oral hygiene routine? The habit can help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease. The dentists at 1st Choiceoral hygiene Dental Care in Kennesaw, Woodstock and Marietta, GA, describe a few benefits of flossing and offer a few flossing tips.

Flossing improves your breath

Have you ever looked in the mirror and been surprised that no one told that you had been walking around for hours with a piece of broccoli or a stray sesame seed between your teeth? When food becomes trapped between teeth, it can contribute to bad breath. If you can see the food, obviously you'll remove it as soon as possible. Unfortunately, some pieces of food are so small that they can't be seen. If they remain in your mouth, they may eventually begin to give off a very unpleasant aroma. Flossing daily ensures that food debris doesn't linger in your mouth.

Flossing reduces your cavity and gum disease risk

Removing plaque from your teeth regularly is the easiest way to prevent tooth decay. No matter how often you brush, you won't be able to get rid of plaque between your teeth unless you floss. Plaque build up eventually turns into a deposit called tartar. Tartar is so hard that floss won't budge it. It can only be scraped off with the special instruments the dental hygienist uses in the 1st Choice Dental Care offices in Marietta, Kennesaw and Woodstock. Tartar accumulation is a risk factor for gum disease, a painful condition that causes a bacterial infection that can loosen your teeth. Removing plaque with floss prevents it from ever changing into tartar.

What's the best way to floss?

Gentle pressure is the key to good flossing. Pressing too hard with the floss may damage your gums. Rub the floss up and down between two teeth at least three or four times before moving on to the next set of teeth. Start from one side of your mouth and work your way across to ensure that you don't miss a tooth.

Daily flossing can help you avoid painful cavities. If you suspect you have a cavity, or you need a dental cleaning and exam, call the dentists at 1st Choice Dental Care to make an appointment. Schedule your visit in the Kennesaw, Woodstock or Marietta, GA, offices by calling (678) 293-8773.