Dentist in Smyrna TN

Interesting Flossing Facts

Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene, but it’s often overlooked or forgotten. If you’re not flossing regularly, you’re missing out on an important step in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Here are some interesting flossing facts, coming from an esteemed dentist in Smyrna, TN, that might inspire you to pick up some floss and start using it daily.

All You Need to Know About Flossing

Origins of Flossing

Flossing has been around for centuries. Archaeological evidence suggests that people were using primitive forms of dental floss as far back as prehistoric times. In the early 19th century, a New Orleans dentist named Levi Spear Parmly is credited with inventing modern dental floss. Parmly recommended using silk thread to clean between teeth and prevent gum disease.

Benefits of Flossing

Flossing is essential for maintaining good oral health. It removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and gums, which helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Studies have shown that people who floss regularly have healthier gums and fewer dental problems than those who don’t.

Flossing is an essential component of good oral hygiene that provides many benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of flossing:

1. Removes Plaque and Food Particles: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from the spaces between teeth that toothbrushes can’t reach. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Removing plaque regularly with flossing can help prevent dental problems.
2. Prevents Gum Disease: Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support teeth. It’s caused by a buildup of plaque and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from the gum line, which helps prevent gum disease.
3. Reduces Bad Breath: Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by bacteria in the mouth. Flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria that can contribute to bad breath.
4. Improves Overall Health: Poor oral health has been linked to other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Flossing can help improve oral health and may have a positive impact on overall health.

Types of Floss

There are many types of dental floss available, including waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, and floss picks. Waxed floss is easier to slide between teeth, while unwaxed floss is better for tight spaces. Flavored floss can make the flossing experience more enjoyable, and floss picks can be more convenient for some people.

How to Floss Properly

To get the most benefit from flossing, it’s important to do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Cut off a piece of floss about 18 inches long.
2. Wrap the ends of the floss around your index fingers, leaving about two inches of floss in the middle.
3. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
4. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, moving it back and forth in a sawing motion.
5. Curve the floss around each tooth and slide it up and down against the tooth and under the gumline.
6. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring bacteria from one tooth to another.

Flossing Alternatives

If you don’t like flossing or have trouble using traditional floss, there are alternative methods for cleaning between teeth. These include interdental brushes, water flossers, and air flossers. Talk to your dentist to find out which method is best for you.

Ask Our Esteemed Dentist in Smyrna, TN if You Have Questions

Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene that shouldn’t be overlooked. By flossing regularly, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent dental problems. With so many types of floss available, there’s sure to be one that’s right for you. Give flossing a try and see the benefits for yourself. Get a hold of us!