Learn more about why your should floss regularly from your East Lansing dentist.
Have you ever wondered if flossing is really worth the effort? Dr. Thomas G. Faiver, your East Lansing, MI dentist, explains why flossing is such an important part of your oral hygiene routine and shares a few flossing tips.
Why should I floss?
The benefits of flossing include:
- Fresher breath: Flossing removes small bits of food that can become trapped between teeth. If the food particles aren't removed, they begin to decay, causing bad breath.
- Healthier teeth: Although brushing your teeth is a very effective way to remove plaque from your teeth, your toothbrush bristles can't penetrate the areas between your teeth. Flossing gets rid of plaque in hard-to-reach areas and reduces your risk of developing cavities between your teeth.
- Reduced risk of gum disease: Plaque turns into a hard deposit called tartar if it isn't removed. When plaque forms at your gum line, it can cause painful gum disease. Flossing helps prevent the formation of tartar.
How should I floss?
Follow these three flossing steps once each day:
Wrap an 18" length of dental floss around your middle fingers on each hand. Use your thumb and index fingers to control the movement of the floss.
Gently rub the floss up and down between each tooth.
Curve the floss around the base of each tooth to remove plaque from your gums. Use very gentle pressure, not a sawing motion, when you floss around your gums.
What kind of floss is best?
Any type of floss is effective in removing plaque, although you may find some types more comfortable than others. If you have wide spaces between your teeth, it might be easier to clean your teeth with floss tape, while waxed, string-like floss may be a better choice if your teeth are close together.
Brushing and flossing, in addition to regular dental exams, are the key to good oral health. Call Dr. Faiver, your East Lansing, MI, dentist, at (517) 351-7222 to schedule your next dental appointment. Keep your teeth strong and healthy with flossing!