Flossing: how important is it? | Preventative dentistry. Illuminada Dental, Edmonton

Growing up, we were all probably reminded quite frequently to brush and floss every day. But, if everyone were to be honest, it would be clear that most of us skip flossing from time to time. In fact, you may have heard conflicting reports about the effectiveness of daily flossing. So how important is flossing to your oral health?

Flossing is just as important as brushing. Flossing works to remove plaque from in between the teeth, which brushing alone won’t accomplish. When you skip flossing, plaque and tartar are given an opportunity to build and harden, leading to decay, especially in between the teeth. Moreover, the bacteria associated with plaque can lead to gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into gum disease, which will require more aggressive treatment.

In fact, oral health has been linked to overall health in many studies. People who have gum disease tend to be at greater risk for developing heart disease and stroke. Think of flossing as time invested in your future health and wellbeing.

Flossing may be a pesky thing that nobody particularly likes doing, but it can save you time, money and discomfort in the long run. It’s especially important to floss before bed, so that plaque and food particles won’t be left on your teeth all night long. We recommend that you brush and floss earlier in the evening, so that you won’t be too tired later at night and be tempted to flop into bed without flossing.

Committing to flossing your teeth everyday is half the battle. Learning to floss correctly is important as well. Start with a 30 to 40 cm piece of dental floss and wrap the ends of the floss securely around your fingers. Gently guide the floss in between each tooth, wrapping it around the sides of each individual tooth in a C shape. Take your time, as flossing too vigorously can lead to sore or bleeding gums.

At Illuminada Dental, we believe that with a bit of preventative care, you and your family can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health. We provide preventative dental care such as regular cleanings, examinations and x-rays. When you come in, we can also provide valuable information regarding home care to ensure that your teeth are being cared for properly between visits.

We are located at 11911 Jasper Ave, just a few minutes from downtown Edmonton. We are currently welcoming new patients, so if you are overdue for a dental check-up and cleaning, be sure to give us a call!