Surprisingly, even though a New Orleans dentist invented dental flossing back in 1815, it has only been in the last 10-20 years that flossing has been promoted as a 
necessity for oral hygiene. Even so, The Journal of the American Dental Association reports that while nearly every American brushes his or her teeth, only 40% of people floss daily. It is not uncommon for patients to floss a day or two before their dental appointment to avoid anyone finding out the truth they have not been flossing but, I will let you in a little secret we know! A few days of frantic flossing before an appointment does not replace daily flossing, and it shows! Flossing is now considered an absolute necessity for proper oral hygiene.
Flossing Facts:
Studies show that without flossing, an astonishing 40% of the surfaces of your teeth are never clean! Brushing and mouthwash regimes only clean 60% of your pearly whites.
5 Key Reasons to Floss
- Flossing prevents tooth decay. Brushing is only partially effective. Flossing helps prevent tooth decay in those hard to reach areas.
- Flossing keeps gum disease away. Healthy teeth mean healthy gums and result in a healthy mouth.
- Flossing promotes fresh breath. Regular flossing blocks halitosis because odor-causing bacteria live in the crevices between teeth.
- Flossing brings comfort. There are few things more uncomfortable than having a popcorn kernel, stringy fruit, or vegetable remains lodged between your teeth. Flossing removes a piece of trapped food without damaging your teeth.
- Flossing creates a clean, attractive smile. There is nothing more unappealing than having leftover food in and on your teeth.
Getting Into The Daily Habit Of Flossing:
- Establish a pattern. Floss at the same time every day. To remove food build up, it makes the most sense to floss as part of your bedtime routine.
- Combine flossing with another activity. Some people like to floss while watching TV; with practice you won’t even need a mirror.
- Keep floss available, in the car, your desk at work and of course the bathroom.
- Remember, this is a habit best done in private.
Floss for life and keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime!
