How Flossing Can Prevent Cavities
Have you ever wondered why your Calgary dentist consistently asks about your flossing habits during every check-up? The answer is quite simple. Flossing plays an essential role in maintaining your dental hygiene and can significantly contribute to protecting your smile from cavities, gum disease and more!
Why Is Flossing Important and the Benefits
Flossing is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps remove plaque and bacteria from the hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and along the gumline, reducing the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Additionally, flossing plays a significant role in preventing gum disease by eliminating plaque and debris that can accumulate and lead to gum inflammation, recession, and tooth loss. Another benefit is that flossing helps freshen your breath by dislodging food particles that can cause unpleasant odors. By making flossing a part of your daily oral hygiene routine, you promote overall oral health, keep your teeth and gums in good shape, and reduce the need for extensive dental treatments in the future. Lastly, flossing can even offer protection against more serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, as there is evidence linking gum disease to these conditions. By keeping your gums healthy through daily flossing and regular dental checkups at Chinook Mall Family Dental you may potentially lower the risk of developing these health issues.
How Flossing can Prevent Cavities
Flossing plays a vital role in maintaining optimal oral hygiene and preventing cavities. The number one cause of cavities is tartar and plaque build up. By flossing regularly, you can effectively remove plaque from the spaces between your teeth and along the gumline, these hard-to-reach areas are often missed when you brush your teeth. Plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria, can solidify into tartar if not removed, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing also helps reduce bacteria thriving in these interdental spaces, minimizing the risk of tooth decay. The bacteria in plaque generate acid upon contact with sugars, corroding tooth enamel and leading to cavity formation. By flossing, you also get rid of any leftover food bits stuck between your teeth, cutting off the food supply for bacteria and lowering the risk of cavities. Daily flossing also stimulates the gums, enhancing blood circulation and promoting gum health. Healthy gums are crucial for preventing gum disease, which can also contribute to tooth decay. By incorporating flossing into a comprehensive oral care routine alongside regular brushing, and dental check-ups, you can significantly enhance cavity prevention and maintain optimal oral health.
Why Does Flossing Cause My Teeth to Bleed
If your teeth bleed when you floss, it could indicate an underlying issue. Several factors can cause flossing to lead to bleeding gums. These include gingivitis, which is inflammation caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Inconsistent or rough flossing techniques can also injure delicate gum tissue and result in bleeding. Some individuals naturally have more sensitive gums, making them more prone to bleeding during flossing. Additionally, tartar buildup can irritate the gums and cause bleeding. If bleeding persists despite regular flossing and proper oral hygiene, it might be a sign of gum disease. It’s important to talk to your Calgary dentist for a proper evaluation, guidance on flossing techniques, and potential treatment for underlying oral health issues contributing to the bleeding.
How to Properly Floss
We know that flossing offers many benefits for our oral and overall health. However, it’s important to ensure you’re using the proper techniques to make your flossing sessions truly effective! Our Calgary dental professionals have provided a quick guide on how to properly floss.
Start by choosing the right floss, using approximately 18 inches of waxed or unwaxed floss based on your preference. For tighter spaces, opt for thinner floss or flossing tape. Prepare the floss by winding the ends around your middle fingers, leaving 1-2 inches to work with. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, with the option to use your middle fingers to guide. Insert the floss gently between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion, avoiding snapping it into your gums. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth, gliding it up and down along the side. Repeat for adjacent teeth. After cleaning a tooth, unwind the used section from your fingers and wind the floss onto the opposite hand for a clean section. Ensure you reach all teeth, including the back ones, taking your time and being thorough. Rinse your mouth with water to remove debris and dispose of the used floss properly. Remember to be gentle, not skipping any teeth, maintaining consistency with daily flossing, and considering alternative tools if needed, such as floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers. If you have any further questions about how to properly floss, we recommend you talk to your Calgary dentist, they can guide you on the right techniques and recommend tools to make flossing a breeze!
Remember, flossing should be part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine that includes regular brushing, using fluoride toothpaste, and visiting Chinook Mall Family Dental for check-ups and professional cleanings. Let’s bring some extra sparkle to your smile so it can shine brightly for years to come! To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 403.252.7711 or book online. We can’t wait to see your happy, healthy smile!
