Why flossing is critical to gum health

“Brushing is a great way to prevent dental disease however, it’s not enough,” suggests Denine Rice, periodontist atRice Periodontics and Implant Surgery. Flossing is critical to keep your gums healthy because it removes food particles between the teeth that flossing cannot reach.

There are five surfaces on the teeth. Two of them are between other teeth. If you do not floss your teeth then you are leaving two surfaces without any defense against bacteria or plaque.  Plaque is a sticky substance that attaches to the surfaces of your teeth. If you eat a lot of sugar or foods with carbohydrates the amount of food that sticks to your enamel is even larger.

When plaque builds up, the gums become inflamed and there is potential for bone loss. As bone loss happens and you become older it attacks the lower third of your face causing you too look older than you are.  While we live in a society that is always looking for the fountain of youth, Dr. Rice suggests, “that flossing from a young age will improve your looks and its is significantly cheaper than replacing your teeth later on in life.”

When you first begin to floss your gums may bleed a little. Do not let this stop you from developing and staying with your flossing routine. However, if bleeding continues you may want to make an appointment with your dentist, as this unfortunately could be the start to periodontal disease.