While brushing is often touted as the best defense against cavities, the truth is that brushing your teeth is only part of the equation. Flossing is an essential part of your oral care routine 一a part that helps prevent cavities.
Here at Full Circle Dental Care in Del City, Oklahoma, we always include a professional flossing during your routine dental cleaning, but we also want you to continue this cavity-fighting habit at home.
Here’s a closer look at how flossing prevents cavities and tips to take your flossing game to the next level.
To put it simply, flossing well prevents cavities by removing plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a bacteria-laden sticky substance that covers your teeth. The bacteria secrete acid, which eats away at your enamel, causing the telltale cavities.
The best way to prevent cavities is to remove plaque regularly. Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the surface of your teeth, but it doesn’t remove all of the plaque. There are places, however 一 particularly along the edge of your gums and in between your teeth 一 where brushing alone can’t reach thoroughly.
That’s when flossing becomes most pivotal. Flossing reaches where your toothbrush can’t and removes food debris and plaque. And because removing plaque is your best defense against cavities, flossing helps prevent cavities, especially interproximal cavities. An interproximal cavity is tooth decay that forms between two teeth. It’s often harder to spot with the naked eye but can quickly escalate and damage both affected teeth in the process.
Because flossing removes plaque, it also plays a big role in preventing bad breath (plaque is stinky!) and reducing your chances of developing gum disease.
Other evidence also suggests that regular brushing and flossing (and the resulting reduced chances of developing gum disease) may reduce your risk of heart disease.
With so much riding on the proper flossing technique, our team is always happy to answer your oral hygiene questions, recommend the right oral care products for you, and teach you strategies for flossing well.
In the meantime, here are several tips to make the most out of each flossing session. Start without 18 inches of dental floss and:
You may also find that flossing tools, such as pre-threaded flossers, water flossers, or other assistive tools, help you floss more thoroughly.
Even with the best flossing technique, it’s not possible to avoid all cavities with a 100% certainty. If you suspect you have a cavity or would like to learn more about preventive dental care, call Full Circle Dental Care today or scheduling a consultation through our online booking system.
