Flossing Is Worth It!

Flossing might not headline the list of favorite activities, but it is an investment that pays off over time. Taking a few minutes to floss at the end of each day is well worth the trouble for those who want to keep their teeth for life.

A good job brushing your teeth can remove as much as 60% of debris, but that leaves the other 40% between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. In these areas, plaque filled with bacteria forms. The bacteria excrete acids that can damage the tooth surface, eventually causing cavities.

Flossing also protects the area at the base of the teeth, where gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss, can get a foothold. Gum disease can also affect the supporting bone under the teeth, causing the face to age prematurely.

Floss comes in a number of different forms. Those who have more space between their teeth often prefer flatter floss, while those with narrow spaces prefer thin floss. Various implements to help patients floss are readily available to make the task easier than ever.

So ... start flossing today!