Why is flossing still an important practice?

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA

Flossing is a practice that many people ingrain in their lives in order to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy. But this practice is called into question nowadays, repeatedly, by regular people and doctors alike. These people say that flossing is really a waste of time and that there are no benefits for your teeth and gum health if you floss. Well, we don’t think that this is the case, and we’ll argue for the benefits of a continual practice of flossing.

First of all, the toothbrush and toothpaste are the core of the mouth hygiene arsenal. But they may not be as effective as you think they are in keeping your teeth clean. They can reach three of the five areas of the teeth effectively – the rest go untouched. This is where the dental floss comes into play – you will be able to reach the hard to reach areas of your mouth, and clean your teeth entirely. This will improve your dental hygiene significantly.

Of course, there are some studies done that show that there is only a minimal increase in the effectiveness of plaque removal and gum disease prevention when it comes to flossing. But you mustn’t neglect the fact that every increment in the improving of your dental hygiene counts. Your teeth and gums will be grateful for it.

Now, young people may get away with it more, but older people really can’t allow themselves to have poor dental hygiene. The teeth, as the rest of the body, are less and less capable of fighting off toxins and pollutants as we age. So, flossing may really be very important for senior citizens. If you’re one such person, then we recommend you to floss your teeth regularly if you’re concerned with their health.

Many people have the urge to wash their teeth hard and fast with their toothbrushes. But this can be damaging for your teeth and gums. You need to do it softly and gently for the best effect. With flossing, this isn’t the issue as you have a much bigger control on how hard you use the floss. You will clean your teeth while not damaging them at all.

These are only some of the reasons why you should retain the practice of flossing. It’s an important addition to your dental hygiene habits. But if you still don’t want to floss, be sure to continue brushing your teeth regularly, as this is the absolute core essential of your overall dental hygiene.