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Home Reasons to Floss

Reasons to Floss


Close-up of hands pulling dental floss from a dispenser against a bright blue background, emphasizing the importance of flossing.Flossing is often overlooked, yet it's essential to maintaining good oral hygiene. While brushing your teeth twice a day is critical, it isn't sufficient to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and the gum line, your toothbrush cannot reach.

Prevents Gum Disease


Gum disease is a prevalent dental problem that can lead to bleeding, swelling, and even tooth loss. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from the spaces between your teeth and the gum line. When left untreated, these areas can become inflamed and infected, leading to gum disease. Flossing daily can help to prevent gum disease and keep your gums healthy. Healthy gums are essential as they support and keep your teeth firmly in place.

Reduces Bad Breath


Food particles and bacteria can get trapped between teeth and cause bad breath. Flossing helps to remove these particles and reduce the bacteria in your mouth. By flossing daily, you can keep your breath fresh and your mouth clean. Having fresh breath is essential for social interactions and boosting your confidence.

Prevents Tooth Decay


Plaque and bacteria left on your teeth can lead to tooth decay. When you floss, you remove these particles from between your teeth, preventing them from causing decay. By flossing daily, you can help to keep your teeth healthy and free from cavities. Cavities can be painful and require dental fillings, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Protects Overall Health


Poor oral health has been linked to several other health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Flossing helps to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth, reducing the risk of these health issues. By flossing regularly, you can help to protect your overall health. Good oral hygiene can boost your immune system, reducing the risk of other infections and illnesses.

Saves Money


Preventing dental problems is much cheaper than treating them. Regular flossing can help prevent cavities and gum disease, which can be costly. Investing a few minutes daily in flossing can save you money on dental bills in the long run. Regular flossing also reduces the need for other additional dental treatments, such as root canals and tooth extractions.

When and How to Floss?


According to the American Dental Association, it is recommended to floss at least once a day. Flossing before or after brushing your teeth can help remove plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and the gum line.
To floss correctly:
•  Cut about 16 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.
•  Hold the floss tightly and slide it slowly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
•  Curve the floss on each tooth and carefully move it up and down to remove plaque.
•  Use a clean section of floss for each tooth and avoid snapping the floss into your gums, as this can cause injury.
•  By flossing regularly and utilizing the correct technique, you can help maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.


Our team here at Wildhorse Dental is here to help. Contact us at 636-537-0447 today with any questions you may have about tooth loss.


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Reasons to Floss | Improve Gum Health & Oral Hygiene
Learn the key reasons to floss daily and how it enhances gum health and overall oral hygiene, recommended by Chesterfield dentists.
Wildhorse Dental - ICON Dental Partners (Group), 150 Long Rd #100, Chesterfield, MO 63005 + 636-537-0447 + wildhorsedental.com + 5/22/2025 + Page Keywords: dentist Chesterfield MO +