If you brush your teeth every day, you’re already in a minority of American adults. According to the American Dental Association, it’s estimated that about four in 10 adults don’t floss every day, despite that being a recommendation in order to maintain good oral health. Once you get on a routine, you may begin to ask yourself whether traditional string dental floss or a water flosser is more effective and easier to use. Read on to learn more about the different methods of flossing and why flossing every day is recommended.
Is It Really That Important to Floss Your Teeth?
Despite flossing at least once a day being the recommendation of the American Dental Association for all adults, a majority of people don’t do it. This seemingly inconvenient part of your dental hygiene routine could be the difference between developing a cavity or even a tooth infection and not.
Throughout the day, as you eat, food debris combines with your saliva and bacteria to form a sticky substance that can coat and get in between your teeth. With time, this film, also called plaque, hardens into tartar that can’t be removed with regular brushing or flossing. This is why getting routine professional dental checkups and cleanings is so important! Over time, the bacteria will emit eroding acidic waste that will compromise your dental structure and lead to common oral health issues like gum disease and cavities. So, in short, yes! It’s important to floss your teeth every day!
Different Flossing Methods & Their Unique Benefits
Many people don’t feel comfortable using regular string dental floss because it can be difficult to maneuver between the teeth, especially the back molars. The good news is that there are other options out there, like water flossers, that are designed to not only be easier to use, but also more effective at removing plaque build-up along the gumline and between teeth.
The reason why water flossers have been said to be more effective than traditional dental floss is because they make the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth easier to clean for most people. However, if you’re effective at using string floss, you likely don’t need to switch over to a water flosser in order to get a better clean! Ultimately, if you have the budget and believe that the ease-of-use will help you floss more regularly, then getting a water flosser is the way to go!
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy & Happy Smile
In addition to flossing your teeth at least once every day, the American Dental Association recommends brushing with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day and using antimicrobial mouthrinse every day. In addition, you’ll want to visit your dentist in Clinton Township every six months for professional checkups and cleanings to remove tartar build-up and prevent cavities.
Although flossing may take a few minutes out of your day, the effort could be the difference between finding out you have a cavity at your next dental cleaning and not! With that little extra drive to keep your smile healthy, you can help save your wallet from additional dental expenses as well as preserve your natural smile.
About the Author
Dr. Milad Rabban has over a decade of experience practicing dentistry and a commitment to helping all of her patients maintain healthy smiles for life. She provides a wide range of dental procedures, ranging from routine checkups and cleanings to more complex treatments, like dental implants. If it has been longer than six months since your last routine visit with a dentist, visit Clinton Township Family Dental’s website or call 586-416-1444.