What’s All the Floss About?
So you brush your teeth twice a day – but does this remove all the plaque?
Effective tooth brushing, twice daily, is essential for good dental hygiene. Our mouth contains many bacteria. By brushing, we reduce the number of bacteria that inhabit our mouth and cause dental plaque. But brushing alone does not remove all the plaque that forms between your teeth.
Without flossing, as much as 40% of your tooth surfaces remain unclean!
Build-up of plaque can lead to tooth decay and gum disease – two of the most common dental diseases. It can also lead to embarrassing bad breath!
Make flossing a part of yours and your family’s daily routine.
Tips and bits
- Plaque is a sticky, colourless layer of bacteria that continually forms on our teeth. Left behind, it eventually hardens into tartar. Tartar generally leads to unhealthy gums and can only be removed by your dentist or dental therapist.
- There are a variety of flosses available – thin, thick, flavoured, waxed or unwaxed. It’s best to speak with your dentist or dental therapist about which products are ideal for you.
- For best results, floss daily for one to two minutes. Rock the floss back and forth carefully, until it slips between the point where your teeth meet. Then, slide the floss up the sides of the teeth from just below the gum line to the top of the tooth.
- Floss holders help to keep floss taut and are particularly good for people with small mouths or large hands!
- It’s not uncommon to see blood on your floss (particularly if you don’t floss regularly). This should decrease as the health of your gums improves. Speak to your dentist or dental therapist if bleeding persists.
We are looking forward to seeing you and your family at Jannali Dental Care soon. Please call (02) 9528 9204 to make an appointment.
Original article – Health Partners Dental
