What Does Flossing do?

Oral Hygiene Tips From Urgent Dental

Flossing prevents gingivitis, or gum disease, by preventing plaque build-up on and between your teeth. Plaque is a form of biofilm, a sticky bacteria that, if left unchecked, can cause serious harm to your teeth by causing cavities, decay, and even risking infections if you have an oral injury.

Flossing can also prevent halitosis, or bad breath, by removing excess food particles from your mouth. Some bacteria naturally occur in your mouth and can cause bad breath if left unchecked. The American Dental Association recommends flossing, stating that it can remove most plaque. Flossing prevents the bacteria from growing and spreading to the point where it can smell. Much of the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath will also feed on food stuck in your teeth.

Is Flossing Really Necessary?

Some people might feel that they already have oral health issues or that since they’ve neglected flossing so far, there’s no reason to start now. But the truth is that there is never a point at which starting good oral hygiene habits won’t help.

The long-term effects of allowing bacteria to grow are serious and can range from cavities to gum disease and, eventually, tooth loss and bone loss. Losing bone from your jaw is a serious and effectively irreversible consequence of long-term oral health neglect. However, preventive maintenance, including flossing, can greatly reduce the risk of any of these problems.

Tips for Effective Flossing

A study published in a journal by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) found that flossing before brushing is the most effective. This is particularly true when using toothpaste that contains fluoride.

The most effective form of flossing is what works for you and will make you more likely to floss, whether it’s water flossing, string flossing, or using a pick! The most important thing is figuring out a style and routine for flossing that you can maintain.