Not flossing regularly can increase the risk of developing oral health concerns, such as dental cavities and periodontal disease, so a general dentist encourages patients to floss several times a day and stick to a consistent oral care schedule to reduce the risk of oral health complications in the future.
Flossing is essential to good oral hygiene. It is an easy task if you can make it a part of your daily routine and get into the habit of doing it regularly. This review discusses the importance of flossing daily and what can happen if flossing is not done as often as necessary.
Reaching all areas of the mouth through brushing can be challenging. Flossing allows the person to clean between their teeth, removing any food particles that are lodged in between the teeth and along the gum line. If these food particles are not removed, they can combine with bacteria and create an acidic reaction that can eventually lead to periodontal disease and weakened and eroded enamel.
Not flossing regularly increases the risk of various oral health concerns, including:
Missing one day of flossing is not a major concern, but remaining inconsistent with a flossing schedule over a long period can cause issues related to oral health.
Many general dentists recommend flossing multiple times a day or after each meal. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing once per day. What is important is remaining consistent, and flossing at least once a day is a great way to fight off oral health issues, such as cavities and gum disease.
Besides flossing, brushing twice a day and using mouthwash as directed by the general dentist is important. Patients should also make smart dietary choices and limit sugar and caffeine consumption. Drinking water throughout the day can wash bacteria away and reduce the risk of cavities and periodontal disease.
Regular visits to the general dentist are ideal for keeping plaque and tartar off of teeth. The dentist can also examine the patient’s mouth and determine if more flossing is necessary to prevent gum pockets and other oral health concerns.
Give our general dentist team a call today if you would like to learn more about good oral hygiene. We offer routine check-up visits and cleanings, during which we can assess your oral care needs and recommend a treatment plan to help you achieve a healthy and attractive smile.
Request an appointment here: https://shdentalva.com or call Safe Harbor Dental at (757) 333-0087 for an appointment in our Chesapeake office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Chesapeake, VA.
Cavities are one of the most common reasons that people seek dental treatment. These small holes develop on teeth surfaces due to acids in the mouth eating away at them. Bacteria in the mouth consume sugars and excrete these acids.The earliest stage of tooth decay can be reversed if a dentist detects it early on.…
The effects of sensitive teeth are not limited to inconvenience during meals. Tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of a bigger problem with the potential to affect your general health. Thankfully, this is not always the case. Keep reading to find out the different causes of tooth sensitivity. Some causes suggest issues that could potentially…
Patients are often confused about the need for X-rays during a general dentistry appointment. Digital X-rays give dentists the ability to see what is not visible to the naked eyes. Developing oral issues can be quickly detected and treated, hopefully with less invasive procedures. Continue reading to learn more about the relevance of digital X-rays…
A dental deep cleaning is an in-depth cleaning procedure that is typically done by a dentist who offers periodontal services. These cleanings are called "deep cleanings" because they go much deeper beneath the soft tissues than a traditional cleaning would. During a dental deep cleaning, a general dentist will scrape beneath the gum tissues and…
Anyone considering dental veneers should understand the details of how they work to help determine if they are candidates. These thin, shell-like pieces are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that enhances the overall appearance of the teeth. Here are the various ways that general dentists utilize veneers for their patients.Veneers are thin porcelain shells that a…
If you have recently replaced a mouthful of teeth, you are probably adjusting to new dentures. Although dentures greatly improve your smile, this does not mean you immediately become used to wearing them. The good news is there are methods you can use to help adjust, and in about a month, your dentures should start…