The Importance of Flossing: Why Flossing Is Essential for Healthy Teeth and Gums

When it comes to oral health, brushing your teeth is only part of the equation. Flossing is one of the most overlooked but essential habits for maintaining a healthy smile. If you’re brushing twice a day but skipping the floss, you could be leaving behind a significant amount of plaque on your teeth. A lack of flossing can lead to long-term issues like bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, and even the need for root canal therapy.

Why Is Flossing Important?

The importance of flossing lies in its ability to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline, areas your toothbrush simply can’t reach. Without daily flossing, these areas can become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to inflammation, bleeding gums, and eventually periodontal disease.

The Benefits of Flossing Daily

Incorporating flossing into your daily routine offers major advantages for your oral and overall health:

    •    Helps Minimize/Prevent Gum Disease: Flossing helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar, reducing your risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.

    •    Reduces Tooth Decay: Food particles trapped between teeth can lead to cavities. Flossing minimizes this risk.

    •    Protects Your Investment: If you’ve had endodontic treatment, like a root canal, or restorative work, like a filling or a crown, flossing is crucial to protect the tooth and surrounding tissue.

    •    Freshens Breath: Removing hidden food debris prevents bad breath caused by decay and bacteria. It also removes plaque which contributes to bad breath. Quick test: do you know what your breath smells like? Smell the floss after flossing to get an idea of how your breath smells; it may surprise you!!

Flossing and Long-Term Dental Health

Neglecting to floss regularly can result in more than just cavities, it may contribute to infections that require advanced dental care. Many patients requiring root canal treatment have a history of poor flossing habits; whether there is lack of frequency or technique difficulties. By taking a few extra minutes each day to floss, you can prevent many of these issues before they start.

Tips for Making Flossing Easier

    •    Use a floss pick or water flosser if traditional string floss is uncomfortable.  Keep in mind, water flossers or no substitute for the physical act of flossing. Contrary to popular belief, floss picks (ie, Plackers) are a great substitute for string floss.

    •    Floss before brushing to loosen debris for better removal.

    •    Set a reminder on your phone until it becomes a habit.

Final Thoughts

Flossing is a small act with a big impact. For the health of your gums, teeth, and smile, make flossing a non-negotiable part of your daily oral care routine. At East Atlanta Endodontics & Microsurgery PC, we’re here to help you preserve your natural teeth.

Have questions about your oral hygiene routine or suspect an issue between the teeth? Contact our Conyers or Snellville office today, early intervention can save your smile!