Everyone knows that brushing their teeth is an essential part of people’s daily oral hygiene. However, there is more you should do as far as dental health is concerned.
Dentists often say that regularly flossing teeth helps in many ways, but some do not understand how. So, to give you an idea, we will discuss the things that most people do not know about flossing.
Things You Didn’t Know About Flossing
1. Flossing Removes More Than Just Food Particles
Many people think that the purpose of flossing teeth is to remove food particles stuck in between teeth. However, flossing does more than that. It helps remove plaque found in between teeth and along the gum lines. Moreover, it prevents the gums from developing infections and diseases.
2. Flossing Stimulates Saliva Production
Another important thing that people have to know about flossing teeth is that it helps stimulate saliva production. While flossing your teeth, you are forced to open your mouth for some time, which is when saliva is produced.
Everyone knows what saliva is, but only a few know why it is essential. Saliva is the mouth’s natural defense against tooth decay. It is known to contain phosphate, calcium, and bicarbonate. The function of those three elements in the saliva is to counteract the adverse effects brought by acids from plaque. Moreover, those three compounds also help repair tooth damage.
3. Flossing Freshens the Breath
Having bad breath is indeed annoying. For some, it can cause confidence and self-esteem problems. Fortunately, there are many ways to eliminate it, and one of which is flossing.
Since bacteria in the mouth mainly cause bad breath, flossing can significantly help. After all, one of the main goals of flossing teeth is to remove food particles, plaque, and other substances that can cause bacteria buildup.
4. Flossing Benefits the Overall Health
We have also mentioned that flossing your teeth helps prevent gum diseases from occurring, but most people need to know that your overall health is influenced by flossing. The mouth is a channel to other organs in the body, so you should always prevent bacteria buildup.
To give you an example of how it can affect your health, gum diseases can cause inflammation that can spread to other parts of the body when not treated immediately. Also, gum diseases can increase the risk of heart disease and respiratory health problems.
5. Flossing is for Everyone
Most people think that flossing is not for people with braces or people with gaps in between their teeth. That is not true! There are already different techniques for flossing and alternative dental floss available nowadays. Consult a dentist as soon as you can to learn the best options available for you!
How To Floss Properly
There is a technique that you can use to floss your teeth properly. The first step is to break off approximately 18 inches of dental floss, then wind it to whichever fingers you are comfortable using. Remember to leave sufficient length to floss your teeth.
The next step is to place it in the middle of two teeth gently. Then gently glide it between the teeth and make sure that it rubs the sides of both teeth. When the floss reaches your gum line, gently slide it to make sure that food particles get removed.
That is how to floss properly without cutting your gums. Just repeat the process until you’ve cleaned all of your teeth.
Why Do Teeth Hurt After Flossing
If it has been a while since the last time you flossed, expect there to be some minor irritation and pain when you do it again. However, if you are regularly flossing for quite some time and you notice that your teeth hurt afterward, then that is a sign there is something wrong. Maybe it’s your technique or an existing dental problem that you didn’t know about.
Regardless of the reason, it is best that you consult a dentist. With everything discussed above, you have seen how essential flossing is when maintaining good dental health and your overall health.
Remember that flossing should not be painful; it should be helpful. So, if you need guidance when properly flossing your teeth or even with other concerns, Sunrise Dentistry is here to help you! We provide holistic dentistry in Durango, CO. Feel free to contact us! Our dentists are not only the best, but they are also the friendliest. So, they will gladly assist you with your needs.
