Everyone wants a gorgeous smile, and maintaining good oral hygiene is a great way to ensure yours will shine. Brushing your teeth twice a a day is a start, but is it enough? There's good reason why David A Dauphin DMD, a family dentist based in Dothan, AL, agrees that flossing is an important part of caring for your teeth.

In addition to being a low-cost, quick, and easy practice to maintain, flossing your teeth regularly will improve your overall dental hygiene.

3 Benefits of Flossing

Remove Plaque

Unsightly plaque can dim your smile. Made up of bacteria, water, and food particles, plaque can build up along your gum line and between your teeth. If not addressed, it can eventually harden into tartar, a substance only your dentist can remove. By flossing, you can deal with plaque before it becomes a problem.

Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious oral health issue; in advanced stages, it can even require surgical treatment. Flossing every day removes the harmful bacteria that lurk between your teeth and along your gum line, greatly reducing your risk of inflammation and infection.

Improve Your Breath

Having bad breath is just uncomfortable. Brushing your teeth regularly might seem like the obvious cure—just don't forget to floss! Flossing between your teeth is the most effective way to remove small food debris otherwise missed by your toothbrush. If left behind, these small food particles foster the bacteria growth that causes foul breath.

Knowing how to care for your teeth is important, which is why David A. Dauphin DMD is committed to providing patient education and compassionate dentistry. As the best cosmetic dentist in the Wiregrass area, Dr. Dauphhin and his team have an established track record of offering high-quality care in a friendly atmosphere. Visit them online, or call (334) 219-2556 to schedule an appointment today!