The fact that you brush your teeth at least twice a day is commendable, but did you know that it only cleans roughly half of the surface of your teeth? Your dentist in Naples says that to truly have clean teeth and gums, you need to floss at least in the morning and at night to ensure that your choppers are as healthy as they can be. Learn more about how flossing helps to prevent several dental problems as you continue reading.
How Does Flossing Protect You?
When you brush your teeth, you can only address 60 percent of the surface of your enamel. To get to the other 40 percent requires using floss, a very thin and pliable material that can fit between the tight spaces between your teeth.
In doing so, it’s able to invade the hideaway of food particles and bacteria that would, otherwise, go on unfettered. Without being addressed, the bacteria in those crevices could lead to such problems as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss and a host of other problems.
Once you incorporate flossing into your regimen, you can feel confident that you are taking a firm stand against these maladies.
Is There a Correct Way to Floss?
To get the most out of your flossing habits, there are some simple techniques to keep in mind:
- Pull roughly 18-24 inches of floss from the dispenser to use. Then wrap it around your index fingers, leaving 1-2 inches available to work with at a time.
- When you maneuver the floss between your teeth, cup it around the tooth you’re cleaning in a ‘C’ shape.
- To clean your teeth, use a gentle back-and-forth motion, and be sure to never use soiled floss to re-enter another space.
When you first start flossing, you may notice a little bleeding and sensitivity, but your gums will adjust to the new routine. In addition, they’ll be much healthier.
Can Flossing Improve the Look of Your Teeth?
Not only does flossing protect you from oral health issues by cleaning your teeth, but it also aids in the appearance of your smile. That’s because it removes agents that could contribute to staining and prevents the discoloration that comes along with tooth decay, that can compromise the look of your ivories.
When you couple flossing and brushing into a proper oral hygiene regimen, you can expect your results to magnify greatly. Then, to truly experience the maximum benefits, you should reach out to your Naples family dentist to schedule semi-annual visits for cleanings and examinations. A healthy and beautiful smile is well within your grasp!
About the Author
A graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Dr. Gery P. Benza has nearly four decades of experience practicing dentistry. Considered an expert in his field, he’s been voted as Top Dentist in the Gulfshore Magazine since 2011 and has received a People’s Choice Award in the dentistry category for nearly 20 years. Dr. Benza can be found changing lives at Galleria Dentistry and can be reached for more information through his website.