If your teeth seem healthy and you are constantly juggling a packed schedule, you might wonder how important flossing and using mouthwash really is to your dental care routine. Dentists worldwide recommend these practices to improve oral health care. Here are a few ways flossing and using mouthwash can improve your health. 

Benefits of Flossing

Although some people assume the space between teeth is compact enough that dental floss would not help to eradicate debris, flossing does more than remove large chunks of food. When you floss, it whisks away oral bacteria that can cause problems like bad breath, decay, and periodontal disease. So when this is part of your routine, you’re steering clear of these issues and improving the health of your entire mouth. Flossing also gives patients the opportunity to work toothpaste residues between the teeth, where helpful ingredients like fluoride can strengthen dental enamel. 

Benefits of Mouthwash 

Because many of the bacteria that cause problems in the mouth do not live on the surfaces of the teeth, mouthwash is often recommended to improve gum and tissue health. Therapeutic mouthwashes recommended by dentists can help with everything from teeth whitening and bad breath to plaque removal and gum inflammation. Many types of mouthwash also contain high levels of fluoride, which neutralizes bacterial acids and encourages dental enamel remineralization. Ask your dental health provider for recommendations based on your needs. 

Whether you are concerned about the efficiency of your dental care routine or you are fighting an ongoing battle with periodontal disease, the team at Dentaworks Hawaii can help. For more than 35 years, Dr. Douglas Chang, DDS has offered restorative, cosmetic, and preventative dental services to the people of Honolulu, HI. To learn more about their commitment to excellent dental care, visit them online or call (808) 528-1200 to set up an appointment.