No matter how often you brush your teeth, flossing is still an essential step in keeping your mouth clean and healthy. That’s why Honolulu’s Stephanie ML Wong DMD encourages each and every one of her patients to floss on a daily basis. Considered one of the best dentists in Hawaii, Dr. Wong provides cleanings, examinations, Invisalign, and more. She strives to help patients prevent the complications that arise from poor oral hygiene.

Let’s go over a few reasons why flossing is so important:

• Eliminates Stuck Food Particles: Even if you brush thoroughly for a full two minutes twice a day, there’s still a chance that you’ve missed more than a few spots. Flossing helps take care of those between-the-teeth areas that you can’t get to with a toothbrush. 

• Keeps Gums Healthy: If flossing is painful or your gums bleed when you floss, that’s a sign that you should be flossing a little more. Painful or bloody flossing sessions could be an indicator of gingivitis, or gum disease, which may lead to weakened gums down the line. For this reason, it’s essential to keep your gums clean and healthy with daily flossing. 

• Prevents Tartar Buildup: If you go a long period of time without flossing, you’ll begin to see tartar build-up in between and on the surface of your teeth. Tartar is difficult to remove on your own and may require the skill of a dental care professional. If left uncleaned, tartar build-up may also lead to calcifications, which can ruin the appearance of a pearly white smile. 

To learn more about keeping your teeth and gums healthy, give the office of Stephanie ML Wong DMD a call at (808) 732-3072 or visit her website.