If you’re like most people, you probably floss less often than you should. According to a report by the Canadian Dental Association, “Most Canadians (73%) brush twice or more a day and over a quarter (28%) floss 5 times a week.” Ideally, you should be flossing your teeth at least once per day, though many people fall short of this due to a number of reasons. Some have sensitive gums that bleed when they floss (which is a sign that you should be flossing more often, not less), while others just aren’t in the habit of flossing regularly and often forget about flossing altogether. Whatever your reason is for not flossing daily, it’s time to make your oral health more of a priority.
Remove Plaque & Prevent Tartar Buildup
Though brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, the bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach all the crevices in between your teeth that are prone to collecting bacteria. Flossing helps to clear out these hard-to-reach areas, preventing the bacteria from building up and turning into plaque, the white substance that eats away at your tooth enamel. Even worse, if plaque isn’t removed with regular brushing and flossing, it turns into tartar, the calcified version of plaque that can only be removed by your family dentist at your next checkup. To prevent cavities and other painful consequences of bacteria building up in your mouth, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss daily.
Prevent Gingivitis & Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
In addition to removing plaque and preventing tartar buildup, regular flossing also helps to prevent gingivitis, or early-stage gum disease, from developing. The first signs of gum disease include swollen gums that are sensitive and prone to bleeding, which worsens as the disease progresses. The good news is that gum disease can be prevented (and even reversed in some cases) with regular brushing, flossing, and trips to your dentist clinic for thorough teeth cleanings. When you floss at home, make sure you’re curving the floss around your teeth to scrape away any plaque that has built up along the gumline, rather than simply forcing the floss up and down between your teeth.
Keep Your Smile Looking Its Best
It’s true that healthy smiles also look amazing. If you have cavities, tooth decay, and infected gums, you’ll probably be reluctant to show off your pearly whites. It’s important to floss daily if you want a beautiful smile you can feel good about, not to mention that you’ll feel more healthy overall if your oral health is in tip-top shape. So, take care of yourself and give your confidence a boost by taking extra good care of your teeth in between dental appointments, even if it means investing in a water flosser to make flossing your teeth less of a chore.
Book An Appointment At Our Family Dental Clinic In Downtown Ottawa
Even if you brush and floss your teeth diligently, you’ll still need to schedule regular teeth cleaning appointments with your family dentist. At Constitution Dental in Downtown Ottawa, our dentists and dental hygienists take pride in helping patients improve and prioritize their oral health. Contact our team today, or book an appointment online at our family dental clinic!