Professional teeth cleaning is an essential part of maintaining optimal dental health. After visiting his office, Eric J. Hartzell DMD advises patients to make flossing part of their at-home dental care routines. Based in High Point, NC, the local dentist provides the community with cosmetic, restorative, and family dentistry services. 

Below, Dr. Hartzell and his staff share four reasons flossing after teeth cleaning is a critical component to keeping your teeth healthy:

• Removes Food Residue: Brushing will remove food particles from gums and tooth enamel, but sometimes, the bristles can lodge food between teeth. If left unattended, the bacteria-causing residue will lead to a host of problems. Flossing is an extra measure you can take to make sure your mouth is clean and bacteria-free. 
• Prevents Disease: Just like healthy eating and exercise, regular flossing is also a good way to stave off disease. With regular eating and drinking, a sticky substance called plaque forms on teeth. The bacteria eventually gets hard and eats away at the teeth and gums. Regular flossing removes plaque, lowering the risk of suffering from gum disease, tooth decay, and bone loss.
• Stops Bad Breath: When food residue is left in the teeth, it causes bad smells to form in your mouth. Paired with brushing and using mouthwash, regular flossing is a good way to keep your breath odor-free. 
• Gets Hard-to-Reach Areas: Although a toothbrush does a thorough job of cleaning surface areas, there are some places it cannot reach, like the sides of teeth and molars. Flossing cleans these areas. 

To find suitable dental floss for your needs, Dr. Hartzell is happy to provide information on different options. For teeth cleaning, dental repair, and additional treatments, call the High Point office at (336) 886-8776. Visit the affordable dentist online to explore how he will keep your smile bright, and like the practice on Facebook for news and announcements.