What Does Flossing Do?

Do you agree that most people do not like going to the dentist? Did you know that flossing can help to drastically minimize oral problems?

Do you also agree that most people do not like to floss their teeth? This may be true until they realize the benefits flossing brings and consequences for skipping town on flossing teeth.

Why Floss?

Flossing is an essential part of healthy oral hygiene practice. Brushing is critical, but some would argue that flossing is even more. While brushing helps to get rid of plaque on the teeth, flossing helps get in between those pearly whites. Much of the damage done to one’s teeth is because of plaque and tartar buildup in those little spaces between them.

Flossing helps to clear food and plaque out from places that a brush may be hard-pressed to get to. It also stimulates blood flow in your gums, which allows them to heal from conditions like Gingivitis.

Flossing is often overlooked because many of us think that brushing is enough. Perio.org mentions how the CDC’s 2009 & 2010 report about Periodontitis in the American population showed that roughly 50% of adults have gum disease. This report focused on adults who were 30 years of age or older. It just so happens that using floss regularly helps prevent this disease, which can lead to bone loss in severe cases.

Is It Ever Too Late To Start Flossing?

The answer is no, it is never too late to start. If you have not done this in the past and you try now, your gums may become inflamed and bleed. This is a sign of poor dental hygiene; however, the bleeding should stop within a few days. Below we list a few ways to try to stop the bleeding.

Stop The Bleed!

• Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide, which is an excellent disinfectant.
• Rinse your mouth with saltwater. This can help to stop the bleed.
• Apply a cold compress to restrict blood flow and reduce the swelling.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin C like oranges to increase your intake of vitamin C. This will strengthen your immune system.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin K like spinach to increase your intake of vitamin K. This will help your blood to clot.
• Add green tea to your diet. Green tea is a natural antioxidant that contains catechin. It lowers the body’s inflammatory response to bacteria.
• Relax and reduce your stress.

If you find the bleeding is not stopping and does not improve within seven days, contact your dentist. A deep dental cleaning may be in order and a complete checkup to check for periodontitis and other problems that may be brewing.

Ready To Start? See How It’s Done

Flossing Technique

• Start by purchasing a recommended flossing product.
• Clip approximately 12″ to 18″.
• Stretch the floss tightly between your first finger and thumb.
• Gently place in between and around each tooth and under the gum line.
• Gently slide the floss up and down and around.

Flossing has been shown to be effective in combating tooth decay and gum disease. It’s something we can all do even just once a day to make sure our teeth stay healthy well into old age. It takes a minute to do, and it can lead to a healthy lifelong relationship with your teeth.

Do you need to schedule a dental appointment? Contact the dental office of Suburban Essex Dental today. Our warm, welcoming, and comfortable office and staff are ready to help you. We are continuously being voted a “Top” NJ Dentist. Call us to see why our patients love us.

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