We all know how important it is to brush our teeth but how many of us neglect to floss? The fact is that flossing is a vital part of keeping your mouth nice and healthy and ought to form part of your routine. Not doing so is just helping plaque to keep a hold in your mouth and put you at risk of dental decay and other oral conditions.
Flossing is the act of pulling a thin piece of tape between your teeth. It is done in order to remove plaque which can easily hide there. Brushing your teeth might get rid of the plaque which is on the surface of your teeth, but it doesn’t matter how well you brush, chances are some it will still remain between your teeth.
If plaque is allowed to stay there between your teeth then it can start to break down the protective layer of enamel which keeps your teeth safe. Cavities can begin to form and the nerves inside your teeth can become compromised. Further, a build up of plaque on the gum line of your teeth can leave you open to contracting gum disease like gingivitis or its more advanced form, periodontitis.
Flossing might be a little painful to begin with if you haven’t done it before. Gums are sensitive and having tape dragged across them might cause the tissue to break and an amount of bleeding to occur. This ought to stop in time but if it doesn’t you should alert your dentist.
Talk to your City of Leeds dentist if you need any more advice about the benefits of flossing and take the next step towards enhancing your oral health.
Tags: dental decay, oral health, periodontis, plaque
