For some reason, people avoid flossing as much as they possibly can. Regular, twice-daily brushing is fairly universal, but the act of having something between the teeth appears to frighten people, at least enough to put it out of their minds.
But with regular flossing, there should be no pain or blood. If this occurs, it can be a symptom of periodontal disease. Or the gums may simply be sensitive due to lack of flossing.
But flossing can help save you from tooth decay that can develop between the teeth, sometimes eating through the enamel into the pulp. Today, your Bedford, MA dentist writes on the importance of flossing in protecting the areas of your
I Brush Thoroughly Enough!
There are numerous benefits to routine flossing of teeth. Interdental cleaning, or the cleaning between the teeth, helps remove plaque from the surface of the teeth. While the reachable surfaces are cleanable with brushing, but no brush can reach every place in the mouth.
When plaque develops, bacterial growth begins to form on the site. If this is in a hard to reach area of the mouth, like between two molars, that growth can continue unimpeded. This will continue either until the teeth are cleaned or the tooth is lost due to decay.
At any rate, who wants their food to build up between their teeth? That’s gross!
It’s Just Flossing!
Because of the likelihood of the bacterial growth between the teeth, unflossed teeth are significantly more at risk of developing cavities than in individuals who floss. Because these cavities are also harder to identify, they can grow larger and deeper than outward facing ones.
This means that often, the tooth will be eaten away to the root. When the root is infected, most often a root canal is necessary. This involves what is called a pulpectomy; essentially, the dentist removes the fleshy portion of the inside of the tooth.
This is a fairly invasive procedure, especially in comparison to daily flossing. And it is certainly much cheaper than surgery in both the short and the long run! And as dentists, we want to maintain as much healthy natural tooth as possible, in most situations.
I Give Up. I Promise To Floss! When And How?
The most important thing to remember when it comes to flossing is: do it. If it’s easier for you to floss in the morning, then you should do it. If it’s comforting to do right before bed, that’s also a perfect time. Whatever you need to do to make your oral health care a part of your routine, the better.
About Dr. Kennedy:
Robert M. Kennedy, DDS, and the caring, compassionate staff at Kennedy Family & Cosmetic Dentistry have served the Bedford, Ma area and surrounding communities since 1992. To learn more about the services we offer to protect, restore, and improve your family’s smiles, contact us today by calling (781) 275-0200, or by visiting our Bedford, MA dental office as soon as possible.
