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.
Yes, my grandson has nonverbal autism and they took very good care of him.. He had to have some extra extractions which I was concerned about, but everything went very well. Very happy and I thank you all for all the work you did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words. We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. We truly appreciate your trust in us.
I took my son to an appointment today with Dr. Hoffman. We had a great experience from the time we arrived until we departed. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. The dental assistants were very helpful and polite with my son. The doctor is very kind and patient. They explain everything as we went through the process. We were aware of the cost from the beginning to the end and we're allowed to make decisions about how to handle my child's care and not shocked with additional charges after the fact. My child does not resist going to this office. Great experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear your experience was positive from start to finish. Our team works hard to create a comfortable, transparent, and supportive environment for every patient and family. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
Dr. Thoms and everyone of his staff members are incredible. I was warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable and relaxed. Which is saying something as I had not been to the dentist in years due to fear/anxiety. My procedure was clearly explained. The office staff was beyond helpful with payment and insurance. The day of my appt was exactly as planned. We started ahead of schedule! The technicians and assistants were clearly skilled and again, helped ease my nervousness. We finished all work as planned. And then Dr. Thoms sat with me and my husband to discuss “everything.” He is very thorough. And finally one of his staff wheeled me down to the elevator, out across the parking lot, and helped me into my van. Now that is service! Around 8:30 p.m. my cell phone rang and it was Dr. Thoms calling to check up on me. Wow!!!!! This man has all you could want in a dentist—kind, compassionate, thorough, understanding, excellent communicator, and skilled. I cannot come up with the best words to so highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. It was a remarkable, yet simple, but thorough experience for me. If you are putting off going to the dentist and have anxiety or fears please call them. They will gently and competently take care of you. And no, this is not an advertisement/ commercial—I am a real live (satisfied) patient.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed, comfortable, and well cared for throughout your experience. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, thorough care—especially for those who may feel anxious about dental visits—so it means a lot to know that came through. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful you chose us for your care.
The practice is top notch. Could not ask for better care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re grateful for your feedback and are proud to provide high-quality care in a supportive environment.
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.
