Do you only floss when you get something stuck in your teeth? If flossing isn't part of your daily oral hygiene routine, you may be putting yourself at risk of developing painful oral health problems. Regular flossing, in addition to checkups with your dentists at Apple Valley Dental in Apple Valley, CA and serving Helendale, will help you maintain your smile.
How flossing protects your smile
Flossing gets rid of plaque between your teeth. The clear film constantly builds up on your teeth and is a factor in tooth decay and gum disease. Although brushing eliminates plaque on most surfaces of your teeth, the bristles can't reach the areas between teeth. Flossing also prevents tartar from forming between your teeth. The hard, brown deposit develops if plaque remains on your teeth for as little as 10 days.
If you haven't been flossing every day, you're not alone. In an American Dental Association Survey, only 17 percent of participants reported flossing daily. Fortunately, it's never too late to improve your flossing habits.
3 reasons you should floss regularly
Whether you use string floss, flossing tape, flossing picks or a water-powered flosser, flossing once a day is a must. Flossing offers these benefits:
- Reduced Risk of Cavities and Gum Disease: When you floss every day, you'll lower your gum disease and tooth decay risk. Both issues can be painful and may require dental work if they're not diagnosed and treated promptly.
- Improved Appearance: Tartar gives your teeth a mottled appearance whether it appears between teeth or at the bottoms of teeth. Unfortunately, once tartar forms, it can't be dislodged by brushing or flossing. You'll need to visit the Helendale dental office for a thorough dental cleaning to get rid of tartar buildup. Removing tartar is particularly important, as it can irritate your gums and cause gum disease.
- Better Breath: When decaying food particles and bacteria become trapped between your teeth, the result is bad breath. If you've been struggling to keep your breath fresh, you may be surprised by just how much your breath improves once you make flossing a daily habit.
Is it time for your next checkup? Call your Helendale area dentists at Apple Valley Dental at (760) 247-6007 to schedule your appointment.