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Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist: What Patients Should Know
Transcript
Do I really need to floss my teeth daily? There’s an old joke we’ve used for years: only floss the teeth you want to keep. And what we mean by that is that flossing truly is an important part of keeping your mouth healthy.
Whether you’re using traditional floss, a water flosser or, in some cases, both, cleaning between your teeth should be part of your daily routine.
We know that bleeding and inflammation in the mouth can be signs that your gums aren’t as healthy as they could be, and your oral health is an important part of your overall health.
I tell people all the time: you want your fillings to last as long as possible. You want your crowns and implants to last as long as possible. Or maybe you simply want to avoid dental problems altogether.
Do yourself a favor. Brush your teeth and clean between your teeth every single day. You may be surprised by what gets stuck between your teeth just from eating throughout the day.
Taking a few extra minutes each day to care for your teeth and gums can go a long way toward keeping your mouth healthy. Brush, floss and take care of your smile. You won’t regret it, and I’ll see you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to floss every day?
Cleaning between your teeth every day helps remove plaque and food from areas that your toothbrush may not reach. Daily flossing or another form of interdental cleaning can help support healthier teeth and gums and reduce your risk of dental problems.
Is a Waterpik as good as flossing?
A water flosser can be a helpful way to clean between the teeth and around dental work. Depending on your individual needs, your dentist or hygienist may recommend traditional floss, a water flosser or a combination of both.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
Bleeding gums can be associated with inflammation and may be a sign that your gums need additional attention. If your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing, talk with your dentist or dental hygienist.
Do I need to floss around crowns and dental implants?
Yes. Keeping the areas around crowns, implants and other dental restorations clean is an important part of maintaining them. Your dental team can show you the best way to clean around your specific dental work.
Does flossing help prevent cavities?
Cleaning between your teeth helps remove plaque and food from areas a toothbrush may not adequately reach. This can help reduce the risk of decay developing between the teeth.
