It seems like every few months, there is a new dental health trend that has the internet buzzing. While some of them claim to possess alternative benefits, there are others that attempt to refute established oral health practices. Recently, there have been claims made that flossing isn’t necessary, but is that true? Has a hidden fact been discovered? Your dentist in Dublin has the answers!
Isn’t Brushing Enough?
The American Dental Association (ADA) has established toothbrushing has one of the primary ways of protecting oral health and preventing a host of problems like cavities, gingivitis and chronic bad breath. To be as effective as possible, it is suggested that you brush for at least two minutes to provide enough time to thoroughly clean all the surfaces of your teeth.
The gentle back-and-forth motion of the toothbrush helps to dislodge lingering food and beverage particles from the enamel (the hard, outer part of the teeth). While brushing your teeth at least two times a day is vital to your oral health, it isn’t enough by itself.
The Necessity of Flossing
Researchers have found that when you brush your teeth, you can expect to address around 60% of the debris. The rest can only be removed with an apparatus that can maneuver between the teeth – which is dental floss.
The flexible material allows the floss to bend and flex so it can be worked between your teeth to clean the remaining 40% of the surface. This is also key for the health of your gums. That’s because with dental floss, you can clean at and slightly beneath the gumline to remove plaque that could do serious damage over time.
The Other Benefits of Flossing
Here are some of the other perks of flossing after brushing your teeth:
- Fresher breath
- Maintenance of your smile aesthetics
- Helps prevent the development of gum pockets (plaque accumulation)
Final Oral Health Tips
When looking to improve your oral health, along with performing excellent dental hygiene, it also helps to make more nutritious food selections and maintain six-month appointments with your local dentist. While at these preventive care visits, you’ll receive a check-up and cleaning, and you’ll be able to ask the professional any questions you may have.
To make a positive difference in your oral health, all you need to do is reach out to your dentist to schedule your first visit!
About the Author
For years, Dr. Eric Buck has been a fixture in the Dublin community. A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, throughout his career, he has taken pride in leaving every patient feeling happier and healthier by providing the best in dental care in a state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Buck is also highly skilled and trained in a multitude of treatment areas, which helps him provide comprehensive and superb care at Distinctive Smiles. He can be reached for more information through his website.