The purpose of brushing and flossing is to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth that feed on food particles left over from eating. Bacteria feast on this food debris producing acids which cause damage to the enamel of the teeth, breaking it down and attacking the sensitive centre of the tooth. As if this wasn’t bad enough, bacteria and decaying food matter also cause over 90 per cent of cases of bad breath.
This collection of bacteria and decaying food is more commonly known as plaque. This can easily be removed by effective cleaning which involves brushing and flossing. Brushing removes plaque from the surface enamel of the teeth and gums but brushes are often unable to reach the more difficult spaces in the mouth that are breeding grounds for bacteria. People who brush but do not floss are exposing their teeth to the damaging effects of these bacteria. Some people equate brushing without flossing to having a bath and only washing two thirds of your body, such is the importance of flossing.
Leeds dentists recommend therefore that you should floss your teeth at least once a day to remove the plaque and trapped food from between the teeth and below the gum line, both places regular brushes are unable to clean. Cleaning below the gum line removes plaque which can build up in pockets destroying gum tissue and eventually loosening teeth. Leeds dentist can demonstrate the most effective way to floss teeth at your next check up appointment to help give your teeth the most complete protection.
Tags: bad breath, brushing and flossing, decaying bacteria, gum line, plaque
