The importance of flossing your teeth

We've all heard our dentist say that we should brush our teeth twice a day, and floss at least once a day. However the majority of us brush our teeth once a day, and rarely or never floss. What many people don't realise is the importance of flossing as an important part of maintaining not only dental but general health.

The difference between a toothbrush and dental floss is that a toothbrush cleans the tops and outer surfaces of your teeth and gums, whilst dental floss is designed to clean the tight spaces between the teeth, and the gaps between the base of the teeth and the gums (where toothbrushes cannot reach).

Mouthwash should not be considered a replacement for dental floss. Whilst mouthwash does kill bacteria that causes plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) it cannot remove the bits of food that often get lodged in between teeth, and the gaps between the base of the teeth and the gums.

Flossing regularly allows you to remove plaque whilst it is still in its soft and pliable form. Failure to remove plaque causes tartar, a much harder substance, which can only be removed by a dentist using a scraper. Tartar buildup can cause gingivitis (red swollen gums which are the first signs of gum disease). If not removed properly the tartar can spread below the gum line causing periodontitis (which is characterized by inflammation, and eventual tooth and bone loss).

At Smile Studio we recommend that you floss your teeth at least once a day not only to keep your smile beautiful and healthy, but to prevent more serious diseases beyond discoloured teeth, discomfort and bad breath. Bacteria in an unhealthy mouth can harm the rest of your body, and contribute to heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illnesses. Therefore flossing is a small step that can have significant implications for your long term health and well being. A combination of brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day and using mouthwash can strengthen tooth enamel and remove plaque.

Call 020 4400622 or email info@smilestudio.biz now to book a consultation with Dr. Odera or Dr. Mutai. This consultation can save you money in the long run: the cost of a dental emergency visit as a result of gingivitis or periodontitis can cost up to 10 times the cost of regular check-ups over a period of time.

Visit Smile Studio today and gain access to education and information about your dental health and your individual dental needs.