There are a number of very important reasons why you should floss every day. Flossing is often seen as not as important as brushing but this is not necessarily true. Brushing your teeth cleans the flat surfaces of the front and back of the teeth but it can’t reach certain parts of the teeth that are harder to get to. This includes the area between the teeth, which is too narrow for the bristles of a brush, and the areas around the base of the teeth and below the gum line.
It is important to clean these parts of the teeth, as this is where bacteria and plaque are most likely to gather. Bacteria and plaque can then begin to attack the tooth enamel breaking it down and causing decay. Food particles can also get stuck in between teeth, which become breeding grounds for bacteria, one of the main causes of unpleasant bad breath.
Flossing helps to remove these food particles and plaque that cause decay and gum disease. Leeds dentists recommend that you floss at least once a day, making sure to clean the areas around the base of the teeth. There are various types of floss available for different teeth so ask your dentist which is the most suitable for you.
If you haven’t flossed in a while, there may initially be some blood on the floss or when you rinse out your mouth. This is a sign that your gums are inflamed and in desperate need of a good floss. This will eventually clear up with regular flossing. It is never too late to start flossing and giving your teeth the protection they need.
Tags: bacteria, bad breath, brushing, decay, flossing, oral hygeine, plaque
