Be honest: you hate flossing, right? It’s a bit time consuming, you usually forget about it, and it’s not a lot of fun to stick your fingers all the way in your mouth to reach between your molars. Well, we’re here to tell you that you better start flossing!
You’re probably used to the lectures that your dentist gives you on the importance of flossing every time you visit the office for a cleaning, but it really is so important to floss to keep your teeth in good health. Flossing removes the sticky plaque from between your teeth that causes cavities and irritated gums, which can lead to far more serious problems like gum disease. Plaque buildup can even cause other problems in your body, as we discussed in a previous post. To totally protect your teeth from cavities and gum disease, brushing is simply not enough.
The American Dental Association suggests that you floss at least once a day, but twice if you really want to take good care of your teeth and gums. It doesn’t matter whether you do it before or after you brush; flossing helps to get rid of this gunk in places that brush bristles simply can’t reach.
If you’re not a fan of traditional dental floss, there are some other options available at your local drug store that you can try, such as a pre-threaded flosser that’s a little bit easier to maneuver in your mouth, or a dental pick that can be used to clean between your teeth.
Talk to your dentist if you need tips on how to floss more thoroughly, but remember: the first step is to get started. The faster you introduce flossing into your daily routine, the sooner it’ll become a habit, and the healthier your teeth will be for your next visit to the dentist. Discuss your options and get tips from your dentist at your next appointment. Call today Genesee Dental today at 585-343-1113 to schedule a visit or request an appointment online now.