If you've ever wondered how often you should floss, if it is necessary or what teeth you should floss, this article will help you get answers. I heard it once said that you should only floss the teeth you want to keep!
Next to brushing, flossing is the most important thing you can do to ensure good oral health. The purpose of both brushing and flossing is to reduce the number of bacteria which inhabit our mouths.
Normally, millions of these microscopic monsters call your mouth home, feeding on food particles left on our teeth. Ungrateful guests, these bacteria produce acid as a result of their feasting and it is this acid which eats into tooth enamel creating cavities.
If this wasn't bad enough, the bacteria also pour out volatile sulfur compounds creating embarrassing bad breath. Normally bacteria are found within a mesh of mucus and debris known as plaque.
Regular brushing removes the plaque and the bacteria plaque contains. Unfortunately, many people only brush, forgetting that flossing is a key component to any good oral hygiene program.
Flossing removes the bacteria that escape the toothbrush by hiding in the tiny spaces in between teeth. Brushing without flossing is like washing only 65% of your body. The other 35% remains dirty!
The American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once a day. If you do not floss and allow plaque to remain in between teeth it eventually hardens into a substance known as tartar.
Unlike plaque which can be easily removed by brushing, tartar can only be removed by your dentist. Over time, levels of more dangerous types of bacteria build up within tartar.
Mean and vengeful, these bacteria produce toxins which irritate and inflame the gums. This condition is known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated it can progress to periodontal disease - a condition where bacteria and their toxins invade not only the gums but also the bones and the structures supporting the teeth.
This can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and teeth which fall out. Most dentists will recommend coated floss because of the ease in which it slides between teeth.
However, any floss that you can get between your teeth and which does not fray or break easily is good. Alternatively, if you don't like using dental floss, consider an interdental cleaner (electric flosser) which makes flossing easy and convenient.
Routines are an essential part of your well-being. A toothbrush, floss and good toothpaste are the tools you require to maintain good teeth plus gums.
The correct way to brushing teeth requires around two minutes of your time each morning and night plus it consists of gentle flicking type strokes whilst paying particular attention to the line of your gums where tartar can build up.
Studies conducted have proven that twice a day brushing with a fluoride toothpaste decreases the chance of decay than if you brushed once per day.
Dentists believe it is critical to brush with fluoride before bedtime as less saliva is created throughout the night to defend teeth against decay.
When brushing teeth focus on meticulously cleaning all sections such as the outer and inner surfaces of your upper and lower teeth then clean the chewing areas. If you want fresh breath then the best way to do that is to clean your tongue with a tongue brush.
When deciding what toothbrush to use many dental professionals agree that a soft bristled brush is the very best in removing plaque. A small head on a brush is a preference too, because that will get to every area of the teeth and gums.
An electronic toothbrush is an excellent option as the speed of the bristles really cleans the surfaces of the teeth. The type of toothpaste to use is an important decision too.
Now retailers hold a significant range of toothpaste, created for the countless circumstances such as those with sensitive teeth, gingivitis, tartar or yellow teeth. Request your dentist to inform you which toothpaste is best in your case.
Once your toothbrush is worn it might be time to discard it. Dentists suggest making the change around three months at a time.
The bristles ware out from regular use but they also collect germs so it is also critical to change toothbrushes anytime you're fighting the flu.
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor has authored hundreds of articles relating to general and cosmetic dentistry. He was a dental assistant to a dentist in Salmon ID for 11 years.
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