In addition to brushing your teeth on a regular basis, you should also floss your teeth at least twice a day. Dentists Charles P. Debbane, DDS and Laura M. Arnold, DDS of Charles P. Debbane, DDS, a family and cosmetic dentistry practice in Hamilton, Ohio, share why flossing is an important part of maintaining proper oral health:

• Brushing Without Flossing Is Not As Effective: A toothbrush can only reach so far, and while it’s a great tool to clean plaque from the surface of your teeth, it misses the hard to reach places. Flossing allows you to reach the spaces in between the teeth, ensuring complete plaque removal.
• Flossing Prevents Gum Disease: Regularly flossing is a great way to prevent gum disease. Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums, which occurs due to the growth of bacteria. Periodontal disease can cause pain, redness, and even bleeding of the gums, and should be treated right away.

• Flossing Saves You Money: Dental floss is cheap — it usually costs only a few dollars at the local pharmacy. However, if you fail to floss regularly, you can expect more expensive dental procedures when you visit the dentist. If you don't floss, you may require a deep cleaning, which typically costs more than a regular teeth cleaning. You may also suffer from cavities, which lead to the expense of getting fillings, root canals, and even tooth extractions.
• Flossing May Keep Your Heart Healthy: Research suggests that flossing doesn't just keep your mouth healthy, it keeps your heart healthy as well. Bacteria in your mouth may actually travel through your blood stream, leading to heart disease in some cases. Poor oral health is even linked to diabetes and respiratory issues, so dentists recommend flossing regularly to maintain your overall health.

For more flossing tips, or if you have any concerns regarding your dental health, call the dentists at Charles P. Debbane, DDS. This Hamilton, Ohio, family dentistry center provides a range of dental services to patients of all ages, including deep cleanings, sealants, teeth whitening, and even emergency dental care. Give them a call today at (513) 887-6654 to schedule an appointment, or browse their website to learn more about their dental practice and to meet the dentists.