Are you wondering whether or not this habit is essential for a healthy smile?

Find out now from your Fort Lauderdale dentist!

Flossing. It isn’t one of the most fun things we have to do but it’s very much a necessary evil. But how can this thin piece of string really do that much to improve your oral health? Our Fort Lauderdale, FL, dentist, Dr. David Erdman, is here to shed a little light on why flossing should become a habit if you value your smile.

While brushing your teeth is necessary for good oral hygiene, it shouldn’t the only habit you adopt on a daily basis. Sure, brushing is a great way to keep your teeth clean but it’s only designed to clean about half of your teeth’s surfaces. Your toothbrush will be able to clean those front and back surfaces just fine, but it’s the spaces in between that require additional cleaning.

Flossing is absolutely the only habit that will clean these spaces between teeth and along the gum line, where bacteria and plaque forms. If you don’t end up flossing your teeth at least once a day, then plaque will continue to buildup along these surfaces and the gum line.

What’s so bad about plaque? Well, this film of bacteria can make your mouth susceptible to infection, decay and gum disease. Gum disease can also lead to tooth and bone loss. By not flossing everyday you allow plaque to harden into tartar, which is the leading cause of gum disease. And if this wasn’t enough of a reason to start flossing (if you aren’t already doing so regularly), then having fresh breath is certainly a major perk.

It’s important to know that when you start flossing you may notice some gum pain and sensitivity the first few times that you do it. This is normal in the beginning, but if you keep up with your flossing regime once a day you’ll quickly find that gums will become more resilient. If you notice bleeding when you floss this could be a sign of gum disease and should be checked out right away by your dentist.

Have questions about how to get the most effective clean from flossing? Need to schedule your next professional cleaning? Then call our Fort Lauderdale dental office to learn more.