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!
Patients share common oral health concerns. Some of those conditions may be plaque and tartar build up; inflamed gums; bleeding gums; discoloration of your teeth; ulcerations affecting the tissue in your mouth; bad breath; TMJ pain; and pain or inability to chew with certain teeth. This is where the importance of establishing regular dental exams can be key, as many health conditions such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, anemia, immune system disorders, even some medications, can have a major impact on your dental health. That’s why your examination will include updating your health history for any changes in medications or conditions,and thorough examination of your gums,tongue and teeth.
Click Here for a great article about mouthwash and your oral hygiene
Do you have a dental question you would like to ask? Please let us know. Dr.Shlafer will be responding to one question per week. The responses will be posted on Wednesdays.
