Importance of Flossing Your Teeth

Flossing, just like brushing, is a teeth-cleaning process to prevent built up of plaque on the teeth. Many people think that flossing teeth is optional, but it is as effective as brushing because it prevents gum diseases.

Flossing removes left over food particles that are stuck between teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach thus prevents the built up of plaque. Much of the plaque is removed by brushing teeth, rest is removed by flossing. Without flossing teeth cleaning becomes incomplete.

How often flossing is required

Flossing removes very tiny food particles that are not seen clearly in the mirror. Your teeth needs to be flossed at least once a day. It also removes built up of plaque. Formation of plaque and its growth is a continuous process. Plaque contains bacteria that converts tiny food particles in to acid that can cause tooth ache, tooth decay and can also result in tooth loss.

Techniques of flossing

Many people think that flossing is a difficult task and is time consuming. Flossing is as simple as brushing and takes only few minutes. Following techniques will help you in flossing easily:

• Take 14-16 inches of dental floss thread and wrap it around your middle finger. Leave two to three inches of floss in between the hands.
• Flossing thread should be inserted in between the teeth using your forefinger and thumb.
• Curve the floss and remove the plaque by moving it up and down. This cleans every side of each tooth.
• When flossing make sure that you insert the thread gently to avoid damage to your gum tissues.

Benefits of flossing

Flossing is an effective way to keep your mouth healthy and fresh. There are many benefits of flossing, such as:

• Removes food particles: Flossing helps in removing tiny food particles that are responsible for build up of plaque. Food particles are found in between the teeth and above the gum line. As your toothbrush can’t reach these areas, flossing helps in removing food particles.

• Avoids bad breath: Bad breath indicates poor oral hygiene. Growth of bacterial plaque often causes bad breath. Improper cleaning of teeth can leave the tiny food particles in between the teeth and above the gum line which leads to growth of bacterial plaque that converts left over food particles in to acid. With regular flossing, one can overcome the problem of bad breath.

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  Prevents gum diseases:

  Flossing helps in preventing many gum diseases that include discomfort in gums, pain and irritation. Gum disease can be caused due to improper cleaning of teeth. It is necessary to brush and floss regularly. As brushing removes away much of the plaque, rest can be done by flossing.

• Contributes to healthy mouth: Flossing makes sure that your teeth’s surface is free from bacterial plaque. It prevents from bad breath and many gum diseases thereby contributes to oral heath. Flossing is one of the effective ways to keep your oral health free from problems.

Types Of Flossers

There are flossers that are completely disposable, while some flossers have refillable or disposable heads. There are flossers with handles that are easy to hold and use. One of the commonly used dental flosser is a bundle of thin filaments.

You may also like to read:
All You Need to Know About Brushing Your Teeth
Importance of Tongue Cleaner
What Causes Gum Problems?