Why Flossing is Important

Brushing alone is not enough Brushing will only clean two-thirds of the surface of your teeth. So for proper oral hygiene it is important that you also floss. Flossing removes more than just the food trapped between your teeth. It also removes plaque that can’t be reached by your toothbrush, the plaque that can lead to dental decay and bad breath.  Because it only takes between 24 to 36 hours for plaque to harden into the more difficult to remove tartar, it is recommended that you floss at least once daily.  

What is gum disease?

 Gum infections or periodontal diseases are common bacterial infections. Bleeding gums are often the first sign of the milder form of periodontal disease called gingivitis which can develop into a serious inflammation of the gums. It starts with plaque, a substance created by saliva, mucous, food particles and bacteria that stick to teeth. If plaque isn’t removed regularly from between teeth by flossing, it hardens into tartar and builds up around the gum line. This causes gums to become swollen and inflamed. If something isn’t done about it, the inflammation can eventually spread into the bones in the jaw that keep the teeth in place. Gradually teeth can become loose and may fall out.   

Factors that can increase your risk of periodontal disease

 The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque build-up. And flossing is the best way to remove plaque. The following factors put you at greater risk of periodontal disease, which makes flossing even more important.

·        Smoking

·        Times of hormonal change: puberty, pregnancy and menopause.

·        Genetic predisposition (if a close family member has a periodontal disease)  

If you don’t floss you can loose more than just the odd tooth

 Although most people understand that decay can damage teeth, not everyone realises that periodontal diseases are actually the major cause of tooth loss. However, there is more at stake than just losing the odd tooth. Scientists are beginning to discover that the bacteria responsible for gum infections can travel from the mouth to other parts of the body and could be at least partly responsible for diseases such as diabetes, pneumonia and osteoporosis. Women who are pregnant and have a periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have their baby prematurely or have a baby with a low birth weight. 

Make sure you include flossing in your oral hygiene routine

 Good oral hygiene requires regular flossing, brushing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, along with regular dental check-ups.  

A guide to flossing :

 1.      Floss your teeth at least once a day, before brushing your teeth.

2.      Wipe the floss up against the sides of every tooth, base to tip, two or three times

3.      Do not forget to floss the back of the last molars

4.      Floss carefully under the gum line, the area where plaque accumulates the most

5.      After flossing, rinse mouth well, then brush your teeth

6.      Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash  

Note: Gums are tender and may bleed a little at first. But once you get into a regular routine of flossing each day this will subside.