Good oral hygiene is the key to good general health, and one of the best habits you can form is flossing. Dental flossing works by removing plates, food particles, and bacteria that build up between the teeth and along the gumline—areas where a toothbrush does not reach. Flossing is an important part of oral care, but many people skip it at the risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral diseases as told by a family dentist in Memorial City, West Houston. Here, we’re discussing why flossing your teeth is important for your oral health, how to floss correctly, and the advantages of flossing in Houston.

Why Flossing Matters

Flossing is an essential component of your oral hygiene routine — it helps you remove plaque and debris in between teeth that a toothbrush may not reach. Brushing alone doesn’t disinfect all the plaque and debris that collect in these spaces. Flossing, then, is an important component in protecting against:

• Gingivitis and Periodontitis: Regular cleaning of the gumline with floss prevents the formation of plaque which forms colonies of bacteria that cause gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, which could lead to loss of teeth.
• Tooth decay: Plaque can accumulate between your teeth and eventually become hardened tartar, which can cause cavities. Flossing prevents plaque buildup and decay in hard-to-reach spots.
• Bad breath (halitosis): Food particles and bacteria that remain between the teeth can lead to bad breath. Flossing regularly helps in removing food particles and bacteria hence why it is known to be a good source of oral hygiene which keeps your breath fresh too.
• Preventing Loss of Teeth: By flossing regularly, you can keep your gums healthy and free from gum disease to a point where it worsens and leads to one of the most significant causes of tooth loss in adults.

How to Floss Properly

To get the benefits out of flossing, you need to do it right. Most people can perform the process in a hurry, or use the incorrect techniques which may not clean well in-between their teeth. Here’s how to floss best:

• Select the Right Floss: There are many options for dental floss (waxed, unwaxed, flavored, dental floss picks, etc.). Pick a floss that you find easy to use with your teeth. For narrow gaps between teeth, waxed floss might slide through more easily.
• Use Enough Floss: Get about 18 inches of floss and wrap the majority of it around your almost fingers, so you have about 1-2 inches to work with. Firmly grasp about an inch of floss between your thumb and index finger.
• Gently slide the Floss Between Your Teeth: Place the floss between your teeth with a soft back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to snap the floss, which can cause your gums pain.
• Remember the Gumline: The area where your teeth touch your gums is a usual spot for plaque accumulation. Remember to floss just under the gumline, but do not shove the floss into the gums.
• Use new floss for each tooth: As you move from tooth to tooth, unwind new floss to make sure you’re not transferring plaque or bacteria back into your mouth.
• Rinse Again After Flossing: Once you’ve completed flossing, rinse with water or antimicrobial mouthwash to help clear any residual debris.

Flossing is an important aspect of keeping good oral health and preventing common oral problems, (gum disease and tooth decay). Flossing regularly is a great way for Houston residents to improve their smile health, bad breath, and the risk of serious oral health complications. If you are not sure about your flossing technique or have any questions about your oral health, don’t hesitate to visit a local dentist for professional care and feedback.