When you visit a dental office, your dentist can tell immediately whether or not you've been flossing. This simple daily part of your oral hygiene routine has a huge impact on the health of your teeth and gums. Here's what you should know about flossing and why it’s so important to your dental health.

Why You Need to Floss

1. Remove Plaque

Plaque is a sticky film composed of food residue and bacteria that clings to the teeth and leads to tooth decay. When it isn't removed each day, plaque hardens into tartar, which you can't clean off of your teeth at home. Your toothbrush can't easily clean the plaque from between your teeth, but flossing can.

2. Get Rid of Food Debris

If you've ever had a piece of food stuck between your teeth, you know it can be uncomfortable—not to mention that it feeds bacteria. Flossing ensures you remove all of the food from between your teeth, even pieces that are too small to notice.

3. Prevent Cavities

Without plaque, tartar, and food debris between your teeth, the bacteria in your mouth don't have a chance to damage your enamel. This means you won't develop cavities in these hidden, hard-to-reach areas or need fillings from your dentist.

4. Protect From Gum Disease

Tartar against the gumline causes gum irritation and infection, which can lead to receding gums. By removing plaque before it can harden, you prevent this process, keeping your gums healthy and comfortable.

5. Preserve the Bone

When gum disease reaches its more serious stages, the bone in the area begins to deteriorate, causing the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. By stopping gum disease before it starts, you preserve your healthy smile.

To ask your dentist whether you're flossing correctly, schedule a dental exam at Anderson Dental Group in Mooresville, NC. With over 100 years of combined experience, their skilled dentists provide Iredell County patients with state-of-the-art, patient-focused treatment. For a free consultation, call (704) 663-3300, or visit them online to learn more about their team.