Why Flossing is Important for Good Oral Health

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Many people have heard about the importance of flossing once per day, but this essential step in oral hygiene is often overlooked or performed incorrectly. Routine flossing removes plaque and food particles where a toothbrush cannot easily reach. Plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing your teeth, flossing and using fluoride to clean your mouth are all essential for maintaining oral health. Read our step-by-step guide below to learn how to floss teeth properly to help ensure healthy teeth and gums for years to come.

According to the American Dental Association, flossing is a critical oral hygiene practice. Flossing your teeth only takes a few minutes, and it should not be painful. The act of flossing before bedtime is one of the best practices you can do for your oral healthcare. In addition, cleaning between your teeth will aid in the prevention of cavities, gum disease and plaque.

Plaque that is not removed will harden into a rough substance called tartar or calculus. Tartar collects along your gum line and can lead to gum disease. When it comes to flossing, pick a time of day when you can devote an extra couple of minutes to your dental care. For example, people who are too tired at the end of the day may benefit from cleaning between their teeth first thing in the morning or after lunch. Others might like to go to bed with a clean mouth.

There are two types of floss from which to choose, nylon and PTFE floss. When used correctly, do a great job removing plaque and additional debris stuck in between your teeth.

How to Use Dental Floss

The ADA recommends following these tips to floss your teeth correctly:

If your gums bleed easily, do not let that stop you from flossing daily. Regular flossing will help improve the health of your gums, and therefore, reduce bleeding over time. If gum bleeding is a concern, you should use soft floss that easily slides between your teeth.

Tips for Proper Flossing

Kali Smiles Kids offers the highest quality dental care for your children in an atmosphere that is caring and fun. A healthy smile is defined as teeth and gums that are well-taken care of, clean and strong. Our goal is to provide your child with a healthy smile that will give your child the self-esteem to achieve their dreams!

Please call us at 925-689-5800 or request your appointment online.

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