While brushing your teeth daily is an essential aspect of oral care, it only removes a portion of lingering food particles. To fully eradicate buildup in the hard-to-reach crevices between teeth, you should also be flossing at least once daily. Discover the critical role this habit plays in your overall oral health below. 

A Guide to Flossing as Part of Your Comprehensive Oral Care

Prevent Against Cavities

Flossing removes leftovers lodged between teeth and along the gum line. While brushing removes particles from the tooth’s surface, toothbrushes simply can’t reach these small spaces. Left unaddressed, these lingering fragments could turn into plaque, a sticky film which produces acids. These acids erode teeth, causing the decay that leads to cavities. Together, brushing and flossing are the most effective means of cavity prevention you can perform at home. 

Lower Disease Risk

Over time, plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which aggravates the gums. This can eventually lead to gum disease, a condition characterized by redness, swelling, and sensitivity. While this problem can be controlled in its earliest stages, it can also progress into periodontal disease. This serious illness can result in the loss of tissue in your mouth, and eventually the loss of teeth. Gum disease has also been linked to other serious health issues such as diabetes and stroke.

Save Money  

The dental complications caused by poor hygiene can quickly become painful. Gum recession, abscesses, rotting teeth, misalignments, and bone loss all can require extensive dental surgery to repair. The longer these conditions are ignored, the more complex their treatments become. For instance, treating progressive gum disease might require techniques such as gum or bone grafting, root planing, and tissue regeneration. While insurance coverage varies by dental provider, you can save yourself the money and hassle of having to address these issues in the first place by flossing and brushing regularly.

While flossing is one of the most essential steps in a healthy oral care routine, regular visits to the dentist’s office are just as critical. If you’re seeking a trusted dental care provider in the Lincoln, NE, area, look no further than Genrich Family Dentistry. With more than 30 years’ experience, this practice provides quality comprehensive dental services for members of the local community. Learn more about their services online or call (402) 466-2211 to schedule an appointment.