You’ve always heard your dentist say: don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth! While brushing is something that a part of one’s daily routine, flossing is commonly overlooked — and it definitely shouldn’t be. If you aren't flossing, you are missing more than 35% of your mouth's surface, areas that brushing alone can't get to. Flossing regularly has several benefits like helping prevent bad breath and removing food from your teeth, but there’s more to flossing than meets the eye:

Flossing removes bacteria: Flossing helps remove food particles that are stuck between one’s teeth, but equally if not more importantly, flossing removes the bacteria that sits between your teeth. If that bacterial plaque build-up is not removed, it turns into tartar, which causes gum disease and infected gum tissue. To think- an easy action like flossing can be a game changer in preventing further issues and disease.

It could save you money!: When plaque that hasn’t been removed hardens to tartar, it essentially traps bacteria which often leads to cavities. Fixing cavities is necessary but can be costly pending the extent of the cavity, but again, can be prevented by taking the time to floss and remove harm-causing plaque and bacteria.

It brightens the appearance of your smile: You’ve been there- you can feel that you have food between your teeth and are instantly embarrassed. Beyond just having food stuck in your teeth for all to see, its noticeable when you have an excess of plaque building up around your teeth and gums. Flossing daily can prevent the appearance of plaque and unkept teeth, instantly brightening your smile. An added plus— the removal of food and plaque also keeps your mouth more fresh, eliminating bad breath that is typically caused by trapped food and bacteria.

Dr. Koplon’s tip: leave your floss next to your toothpaste. Whether you floss in the morning when you wake up or before bed, make flossing a daily part of your routine like brushing to reap all of its benefits. In addition, using waxed floss helps glides through your teeth more easily, which many patients prefer.

Our team at Koplon Implant & Family Dentistry is more than happy to teach you and your family how to properly floss during your next visit to our office. Particularly with little one’s, learning to incorporate flossing into their daily routine at a young age is key, and we can help make that learning experience fun and educational.

For more information about flossing and maintaining good oral hygiene, call our office at 205-699-2551. We see patients from all over, including Leeds, Moody, Trussville, Pell City, Springville, Odenville, Sylacauga, Anniston, and beyond. Give us a call today! 205-699-2551.