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Be honest – when was the last time you flossed? Was it yesterday or even today? If so, you’re among elite company. According to the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, only about 30% of adults floss on a daily basis.
Where do the other 70% fall? They’re cut about evenly, with 37% saying they floss on a less than daily basis and 32% reporting that they never floss. If 30% sounds high to you, you may be right. A consumer advisor for the American Dental Association said that most dentists previously assumed the number of daily flossers to be much lower, even less than 10%.
No matter what the exact numbers are, one thing stands out – not nearly enough people are flossing. If you’re used to getting scolded for not flossing every time you get a cleaning, know that the hygienist has your best interest in mind.
Flossing is a key part of keeping your mouth and teeth healthy – flossing has been shown to prevent tooth loss and decay. While it may not be the most fun or easiest thing to add to your nightly routine, flossing could make a world of difference down the road.
Are you looking to take your oral health to the next level? Come see us at Apex Dental in Rock Hill Led by Dr. Sontakke, we’ll make sure you receive the excellent dental care you deserve. From simple cleanings to same-day crowns, our expert staff has you covered for anything you may need. Come see Dr. Sontakke and the rest of our amazing staff.
What is good dental hygiene?
Unfortunately, brushing twice a day is just a component of good dental hygiene. The following can help you achieve the healthiest mouth possible:
· Brushing twice a day
· Flossing daily
· Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
· Good nutrition
When life gets busy and stressful, it may be easy to slack off, especially when it comes to flossing and making appointments for regular checkups. The time you spend flossing will all be worth it when you consider the consequences of dental problems later in life. Additionally, good dental hygiene is a vital component of the following.
· Proper speech
· Eating a variety of foods
· A healthy natural smile
· Minimizing bad breath
Flossing helps teeth and gums
Brushing your teeth serves two main functions. It removes plaque that has accumulated from the food you’ve eaten and also clears any debris left after chewing and swallowing. Toothbrushes are good at cleaning the easy-to-reach surfaces in your mouth, but their small bristles often can’t get between your teeth.
When you don’t floss, plaque, which is a sticky biofilm made of bacteria, sits between your teeth. Food debris, which is also teeming with bacteria, gets to hang out, too. Some of these bacteria attack your tooth enamel, wearing it down. These bacteria can also hurt your gums. Without flossing, you’re at a higher risk for many different ailments, including:
· Tooth decay
· Cavities
· Gingivitis – This early stage of gum disease is also the most treatable.
· Gum disease
· Tartar buildup, which can lead to receding gums and gum disease.
Flossing gets easier as you go
It’s never too late to start flossing – it can yield results no matter your age. One of the most common complaints from non-flossers is about blood. Your gums are tender and will bleed the first few times you floss. Fortunately, this goes away after a few days for almost everyone. The same goes for any pain that you may feel.
You may also notice that your teeth look a little whiter and healthier after you begin flossing. Finally, you get better and faster at flossing the more you do it. The faster you get, the easier it is to add flossing to your nightly routine.
When you’re ready for superior dental care, it’s time for a visit to Apex Dental. Call or send a message to our Rock Hill office today.