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 want to thank everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center for taking care of me yesterday—Meaghan helped me get the forms filled out correctly and in on time, Daisy for guiding me in and getting me out safely, Dr. Hoffman for taking care of my teeth and dealing with my really terrible gag reflex, and EVERYONE who helps make this happen. I don't know all of your names, but I do know that it takes all of you working together to make my dental care possible and have good results.
I'm always nervous when I first arrive, even though every procedure has had a good outcome. I've never had any pain or excessive bleeding as a result. The one thing I realized yesterday is that all of you are warm, friendly, positive, you have what is called a good vibe, which helps me a great deal.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad our team could help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your visit. Providing a safe, positive environment is very important to us, and your feedback means a great deal. We truly appreciate your trust in our care!
Dr. Thoms and his entire staff at The Dental Anesthesia Center have been absolutely wonderful!! They're all so kind and knowledgeable. I would give them 10 stars if I could!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It means a lot to hear this feedback.
Dr Mike Hoffman is the best dentist I’ve ever been to. His whole practice focuses on the patient’s needs. He is the consumate professional with expertise across the dental spectrum and in anesthesia. I highly recommend him and his practice.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and recommendation! We’re grateful for your kind words and are proud to provide patient-centered care with a focus on comfort and safety.
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!
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.
