Flossing has been touted for years as one of the most important oral hygiene habits for good health. Yet this is a habit many adults struggle to maintain. Some wonder about the necessity of this task when nothing can be seen after removing a string of floss. What you can’t see must not exist, right?
Brushing and flossing teeth are not for the sole purpose of removing stray particles of food. The true intention of oral hygiene is to eliminate harmful bacteria that naturally live in the mouth, which is the true cause of common dental issues responsible for discomfort and disease. Bacteria create acid-waste, which weakens gum tissue and tooth structure, and leads to infection. Overall health is impacted by what occurs in the mouth, and poor oral health increases the risk of serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease.
It is possible to brush away some of the bacteria that live on teeth. The mouth, however, has many nooks and crannies where microscopic organisms can hide. Brushing alone cannot provide adequate protection against the development of cavities and gum disease. This approach is like washing only a portion of your body when you bathe.
Although bacteria are naturally-occurring organisms, their removal is vital to sustained health. Brushing teeth at least twice each day, and daily flossing, greatly improves your chances of avoiding oral disease. Brushing but not flossing doesn’t prevent the build-up of tartar at the gum line, and this substance becomes home to aggressive bacteria that produce damaging acids.
By visiting Dr. Hart’s family dentistry practice in Glen Allen, VA, you can find out if your teeth and gums are increased risk for disease. Dr. Hart provides compassionate care, and makes no judgment about your oral hygiene history. Millions of people around the world have never realized the great importance of flossing. Perhaps you were not taught why you should floss or how to floss teeth for the best results. Working with your caring dentist, your smile can become healthy and beautiful.
Learn how to protect your smile against diseases. Our patients also receive routine oral cancer screenings for early detection. Contact Virginia Biological Dentistry today.
