Often I am asked questions such as how often I should
floss and is flossing really necessary.
I am famous for saying “You should only brush and floss the teeth you want to keep!” Brushing and flossing your teeth are the two
most important patient activities you can do to ensure good oral health.
The goal of brushing and flossing is to reduce or rid
your mouth of harmful bacteria that can adversely affect both your gums and
teeth. Microscopic bacteria reside in your mouth calling it home, feeding off
the food particles left on our teeth.
Bacteria produce acid from their feasting and this
acid eats into your tooth enamel creating cavities. Addition toxins are
produced from bacteria in plaque that will inflame and irritate your gum
tissue. And finally, without proper care the bacteria can also sulfur compounds
that create bad breath.
In the most recent studies, poor oral health can be
linked to other related health issues that may stem from oral bacteria entering
the bloodstream affecting other internal organs. Regular brushing and flossing removes the
plaque and the bacteria plaque contains. Unfortunately, many people think brushing
alone is sufficient to rid the mouth of these bacteria. But flossing
is a key component to your good oral hygiene program.
If you do not floss and allow plaque to remain in
between teeth it eventually hardens into a substance known as tartar. Unlike plaque
which can be easily removed by brushing, tartar can only be removed by your
dentist.
Over time, failing to floss will result in irritated
and inflamed gums. This condition is known as gingivitis, which if left
untreated can progress to periodontal disease domino’ing into gingival
recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and so on until ultimately your teeth are
lost.
Timely and regular flossing removes the bacteria that
escapes the reach of the toothbrush.
Brushing alone only does part of the job. So you really need to floss. The American
Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once a day, but I would
suggest once in the morning and once in the evening as the better protocol.
Novy
Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
5471
Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200
Acworth,
GA 30102
770-928-7281
Related articles
Dr Lapsi provides emergency dental services for the Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills and Orange County areas. You do not necessarily have to be a current patient of Dr. Lapsi to be seen for dental emergency. If you have pain, swelling, bleeding, a broken tooth, a broken crown or a broken veneer, you can contact
ReplyDeleteEmergency Dentist Laguna Niguel