How Important Is Flossing?

We all know to brush twice a day, but not as many of us commit to flossing twice a day. Yet flossing is just as important as brushing! In fact, flossing makes it possible to reach the surfaces of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t access. 

Learn more about the importance of flossing, so you can incorporate it into your daily oral care routine and protect your smile for many years to come.

Why Does Flossing Matter?

Flossing is the process of scraping away the plaque and bacteria sitting between your teeth. If you never floss or only floss ineffectively, plaque and bacteria quickly mutate into hard tartar that triggers cavities and decay. 

The Consequences of Failing To Floss

Skipping the floss in your daily routine contributes to bad breath, discolored teeth, and cavities, but it also does something even worse.

The longer you go without flossing, the more time that acidic plaque has to eat away at your tooth enamel and destroy the healthy structure of your teeth. Cavities are the first warning sign of plaque damage, and, yes, it’s possible to get cavities located in between your teeth. 

As time goes on, a lack of flossing can cause gingivitis to develop in your mouth. Symptoms of this early stage of gum disease include:

  • Bright red gums
  • Tender, painful gums
  • Bleeding from the gums
  • Chronic bad breath

Even worse than gingivitis is a condition called periodontitis. This disease is incurable, can lead to tooth loss and has a connection to other diseases such as hardening of the arteries,diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia.

How To Floss the Right Way

Plaque loves to accumulate in the dark crevices between your teeth. Flossing, water flossers, and dental brush pics can reach into those tight spaces to prevent cavities. Luckily, the process of flossing is simple once you learn and practice. Check our website for instructions at mouthdocs.com.

  • Use about one foot of dental floss and wrap all but 2-3 inches around your middle finger.
  • Use your thumb and forefingers to guide the floss in-between the teeth.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.
  • Move the floss up and down to clean the side of each tooth.
  • Use a floss holder or disposable floss pick, if needed, especially for children.

Call (727) 548-7100 to schedule an appointment at Piper Family Dentistry in Largo, Florida. Dr. David Piper and his team can help you incorporate flossing for a healthier, happier smile.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I've been a patient of Dr. Piper's for the last 19 years so it's very obvious that I've been a very very satisfied patient. I had an excellent full check-up today with x-rays and everything was perfect. Perfect because I've been going consistently and following their experts on dental care, cleaning and good health! Bravo 👏 👏 👏
Deborah M.
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Dr. Piper and staff are always very professional, I have been a patient for over 15 years, and happy about it. Just got my teeth cleaned and checked recently, Sandra is friendly and thorough, and the office felt very clean which is important.
Tom T.
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Staff were fast and attentive, didn't wait long before I saw Dr. Piper. The office is clean and organized. Was a great decision to use this practice and will be visiting again. Not a single issue. Cannot recommend enough.
Ted M.
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Thank you Sandra, for my teeth cleaning....I had a great experience, I do love getting my teeth cleaned! Piper Family Dentistry rocks...😁.
Deborah W.
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