Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and gums, preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. It’s essential for optimal oral health.
In the world of dental health, we often hear about the importance of brushing our teeth twice a day. But there’s another key component to maintaining a healthy mouth that often gets overlooked: flossing. But what exactly does flossing do? You might be surprised to know that its benefits go far beyond simply removing food particles.
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Behl and her entire team during my wisdom tooth extraction. I chose IV sedation, and it made all the difference. I was awake and aware throughout the procedure, but I felt completely relaxed and never experienced the panic or anxiety I usually have at the dentist.
Dr. Behl and her staff were compassionate, professional, and attentive from start to finish, making sure I was comfortable every step of the way. If you have dental anxiety or avoid going to the dentist because of fear, I highly recommend Dr. Behl and her team. They provided exceptional care and made what I expected to be a stressful experience surprisingly calm and comfortable.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re honored by your recommendation and are so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
All of the staff have been extremely incredible. Dr. Thoms was amazing & really helped calm me before my procedure. Dr. Thoms answered any & all questions I have had & was extremely understanding when it comes to having dental anxiety. Robyn was the best X-ray technician I have ever had. She felt personable but still extremely professional. Throughout my life I have been to numerous dentists in hopes of finding one that will take my extreme dental anxiety seriously & not make me feel bad for it. I have finally found my favorite dentist. The Dental Anesthesia Center is my #1 pick if I had to chose any dentist.
Response from the owner:Thanks for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re grateful for your trust in our team and are pleased to hear you felt supported and comfortable throughout your visit. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Hands down the best dental office in the area! They have always taken care of me and been very accommodating. The Doctors are the BEST!!! I would HIGHLY recommend this office if you are looking for a dentist! 5+ stars all around.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation! We’re grateful for your kind words and are thrilled to hear that our team has provided a positive experience. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving our community with exceptional care.
I started seeing this practice as a scared middle age woman that thought she was quickly on the way to being toothless. Years later now, still working with the amazing Dr Behl and her amazing staff, I have been able to continue with my present teeth. Alway kind, full of grace, mercy and humor!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re honored to be part of your dental journey and appreciate your kind words about Dr. Behl and our team.
We have been taking our son to Dental Anesthesia since 2019. He gets his dental treatment and blood work done at the same time. We find the staff and Dr. Thoms highly professional. They communicate well and provide excellent treatment/services. Getting blood work done during sedation helps us a lot.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re honored to be part of your family’s care. We appreciate your trust in us.
The Surprising Benefits of Flossing
1. Reduces Plaque and Prevents Tartar Buildup: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on our teeth. If left unchecked, plaque can harden into tartar, a hard substance that can only be removed by a dental professional. Flossing daily removes plaque from between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
2. Prevents Gum Disease: The space between your teeth and gums is a hotspot for the accumulation of food particles and bacteria. When these aren’t cleared out, they can lead to inflammation of the gums or gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Regular flossing helps prevent these conditions.
3. Reduces Bad Breath: Nobody wants bad breath! Food particles that remain trapped between teeth can lead to a foul odor in the mouth. Regular flossing ensures these particles are removed, leading to fresher breath.
4. Can Prevent Tooth Decay: When food particles and bacteria remain between the teeth, they can produce acids that erode tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to cavities. Flossing ensures that these particles and bacteria are removed before they can cause damage.
5. Supports Overall Health: You might be surprised to learn that flossing can have benefits beyond the mouth. Research has shown a link between gum disease and other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including flossing, can support your overall health.
Flossing: The Right Way
It’s not just about flossing; it’s about flossing the right way. Here’s how:
Take about 18 inches of dental floss.
Wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a small section to work with.
Hold the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers.
Slide it gently between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth
Remove the floss using the same back-and-forth motion.
Use a fresh section of the floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
The key is consistency. Make flossing a regular part of your oral hygiene routine.
Take Your Dental Health to the Next Level
Brushing and flossing regularly are great first steps to maintaining your oral health. The next step is to ensure you’re getting regular check-ups with a dental professional. Remember, even if you’re flossing daily, regular dental check-ups are essential for catching potential issues early and getting professional cleaning.
St. Louis Dentist
Don’t wait for a dental problem to arise. Take charge of your oral health now. Call The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry today and schedule an appointment.
