Choosing to make flossing a daily part of your regular oral hygiene routine will help your natural teeth last longer. Twice-daily brushing is important, but a toothbrush cannot get in between each tooth. Flossing is essential as the contact points in between teeth account for one third of all your tooth surfaces. Daily flossing helps to remove food debris and plaque, decreasing the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease (advanced gum disease).

Flossing Helps Keep Gums Healthy
While some people will lose teeth due to tooth decay, far more will be lost to gum disease which can develop if plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth. Plaque is made up of bacteria that produce toxins, infecting the gum tissue, causing inflammation and disease. It’s essential plaque is removed on a daily basis. Flossing right down to and just below the gum line helps remove plaque and stimulates the gum tissue so it remains healthy.
Some people with mild gum disease will find their gums bleed when flossed or brushed and may avoid flossing thinking it will make the bleeding worse. In fact the opposite is true, and flossing can help improve the health of your gums through removing plaque, and reducing toxins and inflammation in your gums. Flossing may help improve gum health in as little as a few weeks.

Choosing the Right Floss
Choosing the right floss makes this task a lot easier, and there are lots of different types on the market. You can opt for unwaxed or waxed floss, and it is available in different widths. You may need to buy several different types before you find a brand you’re happy to use each day.

If you find flossing too difficult then ask your dentist about alternative methods to use. It’s possible to buy soft picks and interdental brushes to clean in between your teeth. These can be helpful for people with limited dexterity as they are very easy to use and come in a variety of different sizes.

General dentist in Weymouth, MA