How (and Why) to Floss Better?

Did you know you’re twice as likely to get cardiovascular disease or suffer from a stroke if you suffer from gum disease? Brushing and flossing benefits go beyond having a bright smile. Your oral health is linked to your overall health, and gum disease is largely preventable with proper and regular health care. 

Unfortunately, a diet high in refined carbohydrates makes it harder to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. The breakdown of carbohydrates in the mouth feeds the bacteria that cause inflammation, produce acid byproducts, and erode the tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard protective layer found on the surface of the tooth. 

The solution to a bright smile, regardless of your diet, is ensuring there’s no debris left on or in between your teeth. Our team of experts at Duval Orthodontics explains how to floss better to ensure the health of your smile. 

Why flossing is so important for maintaining good oral health

It’s no secret that many people skip flossing. After all, isn’t brushing enough? Unfortunately, brushing can’t remove the food particles stuck in between the teeth. Once you skip flossing for prolonged periods of time, the food debris turns into plaque, which can only be removed with the help of a dental professional.  

What are the main benefits of flossing my teeth?

Flossing comes with some serious benefits, including preventing bad breath, cavities, and gum disease, and even protecting you from being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. 

Most dentists recommend flossing twice a day. 

When you skip flossing, you allow any debris to become food for harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to sticky plaque that can turn into hardened tartar below the gum line and trigger periodontal disease.

How to floss better 

Is there a technique that works best for removing food debris between teeth?

Our experts recommend starting with about 18 inches of floss held taut about an inch between your two fingers. Use these two fingers to guide the strip between each tooth, and make sure you go all the way down to your gum line. Use a clean strip for every tooth. 

Even with your efforts, plaque can accumulate anyway, and dental stains are a part of life. Tea, coffee, and even juices can leave marks behind. For this reason, our experts offer teeth whitening services to remove the stains from your teeth that brushing and flossing alone can’t.

Contact Duval Orthodontics to schedule an appointment and get the smile of your dreams.