What Does Flossing Do?

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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 am so impressed with this Place. The staff is super friendly and explains everything in great detail and really takes their time with their patients. I came here after 15+ years of not having Dental insurance or the means to see a Dentist. Needless to say, my teeth were in pretty bad shape, and I needed a deep periodontal cleaning. When I went in for consultation back in February I was totally nervous, anxious had no clue what to expect. I just knew that I needed to a tooth that was falling out pulled and needed to do something about my teeth. After talking with a staff member and Dr. Hoffmann I felt totally at ease. Both my procedures in Feb and May went incredibly well and I woke up from both with an incredible smile. I came back today for follow up and cleaning my Hygienist was awesome I still had some sensitivity around my front teeth and when she noticed I flinched she stopped and said do you need break, or do you want me to put some numbing jell on your front teeth. After we got done, I had a lot of questions about the proper way to floss, what type of tooth paste I should use for sensitive teeth etc and she really took the time to answer all my questions. If you have been putting off dental work because of anxiety, I encourage you to check this place out. The staff truly cares about their clients.
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I went to nervous and 3 to 4 hours later, I essentially woke up in the car on my way home without realizing anything had happened. If you have trauma with previous dental issues, this is the place.
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Amazing staff from entering to exiting! Thank you all for truly caring and taking the time to explain every step as you go. You are appreciated and I would highly recommend you to everyone!
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Extremely friendly and professional Liked the way everything was explained a b d was concerned about my comfort k rt
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I have been a patient at the Dental Anesthesia Center for about 20 years! Dr. Hoffman and his team are the premier dental group in the St. Louis area. I believe they are the only location for Dental Anesthesia if you need that service. They are experts in the dental field and I cannot fathom ever going anywhere else. Great team, kind, caring, patient, and looking out for you and your dental needs!
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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.

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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.

Updated: August 15, 2024

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