There are two kinds of people in this world: those who floss, and those who don’t. Diligent flossers everywhere inspire those of us who live with them or know them. Flossing may not be an actual virtue but it’s certainly high on the list of qualities amongst people who “have it together.” Read more below about why flossing is so important and what alternatives you have if you don’t like traditional floss.
After you eat, tiny pieces of food are left everywhere in your mouth. Even though your saliva does a good job of rinsing a lot of food debris away, some leftovers stay stuck on your teeth and gums and must be brushed and flossed to get rid of it. You do have tons of natural bacteria in your mouth that help break down food buildup, but the bacteria leave behind a sticky film on your teeth called plaque that needs to be removed.
Everyone (even young kids) should brush for two minutes, twice a day, and floss once a day to remove food build up and plaque from the places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. If you don’t stay on top of it, food build up and plaque can quickly turn into bigger problems that cause tooth decay, gum disease, and inflammation in your mouth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) says it doesn’t matter if you floss before or after brushing your teeth, or if you floss in the morning or at night. What’s most important is that you do it.
But what if traditional flossing is difficult for you, or you’re traveling, or if you have braces? Thankfully, you have some options that the ADA approves.
Here are some of the flossing alternatives and what they are good for:
A word about mouthwash: while it’s a great option for freshness and does help kill the bacteria that cause decay and gum disease in the rest of the mouth, mouthwash is not a good replacement for brushing or flossing. Mouthwash is best used in combination with these methods for optimum oral health.
Your daily brushing and flossing is the foundation of good oral hygiene and health. Remember also to see your dentist for a professional cleaning twice per year. Some plaque and build up can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. Plus, proactive oral care goes a long way toward your overall health and seeing the dentist is just as important as seeing your doctor!
If you’re looking for an Atlanta orthodontist, Dr. Ceneviz at Chamblee Orthodontics is always welcoming new patients. Come see us for any and all of your orthodontic needs.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Sources
5070 Peachtree Blvd. Suite E150
Atlanta, GA 30341
Monday | 7:30am-4:30pm |
Tuesday | 9:00am-5:30pm |
Wednesday | 7:30am-4:30pm |
Thursday | 9:00am-5:30pm |
Friday | 7:30am-4:30pm |
Saturday | Closed |
Please call us at (678) 554-3143 or fill out the form below to request an appointment.