If you ask an American if they brush their teeth regularly, they will most likely say “yes.” Americans spend $2 billion a year on toothbrushes and toothpaste (among other dental supplies), with 94% saying they brush their teeth every night and 84% saying they brush their teeth first thing in the morning. the morning. However, if you ask all Americans if they are doing everything in their power to maintain healthy dental hygiene; your results would not be as strong.

Less than half of Americans say they floss every day. Worse yet, 10% admit to NEVER flossing. When around 70% of Americans can count on some form of periodontal disease, flossing has never been more essential. This brief summary is intended to show why dentists say that flossing is such an important part of oral health. This article provides some simple practices to improve your flossing when you floss.

Why floss?
Every time you eat, breathe, or almost open your mouth, you expose your teeth to bacteria and microorganisms that get trapped between your teeth. This is unavoidable, what will matter is how you take care of it. Without brushing or flossing, bacteria build up and form mini bacterial colonies (gross, right?), the yellowish coating substance called plaque.

Besides the fact that plaque is literally layers of bacteria stuck together, plaque is pretty bad for your oral health. Plaque is unsightly and will add a yellow stain to your teeth, as opposed to the clean white of fresh enamel. As if that wasn’t enough, plaque gets between your teeth and slowly eats away at your soft gum tissue, leading to periodontal disease and further damage to your gums that will result in root canals and even more extreme cavity-fighting methods. by your dentist. Flossing is your best line of defense for scraping off plaque as it builds up between your teeth and for protecting your gums by removing bacteria at the base of your teeth (their most vulnerable spot).

How
It has been said that flossing is even more important than brushing your teeth; but why then would people avoid it? Most people avoid flossing due to pain and bleeding. While bleeding may be unavoidable in the first few cases, this is simply not an excuse to avoid flossing. The damage done by refusing to floss is much more damaging, and if used correctly, it’s a completely painless experience.

Just buy a pack of dental floss at any grocery store. If you’re worried about flossing your teeth, try finding a brand that’s infused with satin, according to dentists. You will hardly feel it and will do the job just as well. Get about 18 inches of filament and wrap it around your fingers so you can pinch the thread with your index finger and thumb. Gently slide the string between your teeth and hold the floss against the tooth in question. Slide the filament back and forth, following the contours of the tooth and covering its entire length. Do this for each tooth, particularly the back molars. It doesn’t matter if you floss or brush first, just that it gets done.

Flossing will strengthen your smile and keep your teeth strong and clean. Reduce unsightly plaque and take the first step in defending against periodontal disease by starting a daily flossing regimen today.