Is flossing really that necessary? After all, you brush regularly, don’t go to bed after eating a bunch of sugar, and always use a good dose of mouthwash to wipe out morning breath. So, what ‘s the deal with the in-between-the-teeth string? Is that extra step really necessary?
The short answer: absolutely!
Nobody would make this much fuss about flossing if it wasn’t essential. Here are some flossing facts we like to share with our Verdun patients:
1. What does flossing do?
Floss’s job is to get rid of the plaque and food particles that stick to your teeth and gums. Leftover food and the presence of plaque are problematic for a few reasons.
To begin with, the stuff that gets caught in places your toothbrush can’t reach causes bad breath. The longer it hangs around, the worse it gets, as it decays and creates an odour that will send people running the other way.
Over time, these particles can harden, turning into tarter and increasing your risk of gingivitis and gum disease.
2. Is all floss created equal?
If you’ve ever stood in the oral care aisle and felt overwhelmed by the number of floss options, you’re not alone!
There are dozens of combinations, some of which may be better suited for your needs than others. Here’s a quick guide to help you along:
- Minty options are great for people adverse to flossing. The fresh feel of a just-flossed mouth–coupled with the minty taste–is hard to beat.
- Wide floss (dental tape) is a good choice for people with bridgework.
- Waxed floss glides more easily between closely spaced teeth than unwaxed floss.
- Unwaxed floss squeaks when the plaque’s been removed, letting you know your teeth are literally squeaky clean.
- Your dentist always knows best. When in doubt, ask your dentist which type he or she recommends for your unique mouth.
3. How often should you floss?
At our Lasalle-area dental facility, we recommend our patients floss no less than once a day.
If you’ve fallen out of the habit of a healthy flossing routine, that’s no reason to put off seeing your dentist. Part of dentists’ jobs entails ensuring their patients are able to get back on track when they’ve gone astray. People from all over the greater LaSalle area flock to see Dre Nathalie Kadoch at the Centre Dentaire. You should schedule your appointment today!