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 have NEVER had a positive experience with dentist…until now!! I was mind blown how kind the staff was, not just to me but to everyone! I have debilitating anxiety when it comes to dentists because of bad previous experiences, so I was very nervous. But, all the staff, including Dr. Thom, were very gentle, kind, and understanding. They took time to listen to all my concerns and address them, helping to put me at ease. I was also amazed how professional the whole office ran and how completely reliable they were. They easily guided me through the process and everything went so smoothly, including my sedation. I have never been treated so kindly by any dental office before, I was struggling to believe I wasn’t in some kind of dream. But. They really were that nice.
My recovery from sedation and all
The dental work they did to save my tooth was amazing, not a single issue! Dr. Thom even called personally to check on me a day later.
Coming back to put my permanent crown in was the same experience. They were all so kind,
Good about explaining everything they were doing and make the experience light and dare I say…fun.
I would drive 2.5 hours again in a heartbeat to do my work here. Best dental experience I’ve ever
had hands down!!!!!!! Thank you Dr. Thom for giving my life and tooth back. I’m so excited to not be in so much excruciating pain anymore!
Response from the owner:We can’t thank you enough for your kind and heartfelt words. Our entire team is dedicated to creating a gentle, supportive, and positive experience for every patient, so it means the world to hear your visit felt that way. We’re so glad you felt cared for and comfortable throughout the process, and we truly appreciate you making the trip to see us. Thank you for trusting us—it’s an honor to care for patients like you!
Dr. Hoffmann and his team takes great care of my special needs daughter. We have been coming here for over 20 years. The staff is so kind and patient with her and explains everything to help her stay calm.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words and for trusting our team for so many years. We’re honored to care for your family and appreciate the opportunity to make each visit a positive experience.
I have had the best experience with Dr Behl and her staff! I have awful dental anxiety from some past experiences and they are so kind and supportive. Rebecca is incredible to work with. I highly recommend them to everyone I know!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re happy to know you felt supported and comfortable during your visit. Our team strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.
We always receive excellent care at the Dental Anesthesia Center.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We truly appreciate your trust in our team and are grateful for the opportunity to provide care.
Our adult daughter has cerebral palsy and requires being fully sedated when having anything done. The DAC was such a positive experience. Dr Hoffmann and his staff were kind and did great explaining things. As a mom, I had a lot of questions about how certain things would be done as usually she’s in her chair when getting examined at her local dentist and they had everything under control including transferring from her chair to the dentist chair and keeping her secured in the dentist chair as well as keeping her neck and legs comfortable. Many thanks to them!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re grateful for your trust and happy to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is always to provide compassionate, attentive care in a safe and comfortable environment. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
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.
