You’ve heard over and over again that you should brush twice a day and floss once. There is good reason for this. Failure to regularly remove food particles and harmful bacteria from your mouth can result in cavities, gum disease, and a variety of other problems.
Importance of Flossing
Brushing alone will not remove all of the food particles from your teeth. There are places that the brush bristles can’t penetrate, like the spaces between your teeth. Leaving the food particles in between your teeth for extended periods of time can contribute to gingivitis and tooth decay. It is important to practice good oral hygiene to prevent extensive problems from occurring. It is best to practice good oral hygiene in conjunction with regular dental cleanings, to provide the best protection for your teeth.
When You Should Floss
Should you floss before or after your teeth? In the morning or at night? Once or twice a day? As it turns out, these details aren’t important. The regular removal of food particles and bacteria is the only vital part in this equation.
The best time to floss is when you have time to floss properly. For many people, this means flossing at night before bed. This may also prevent food particles from remaining in your teeth overnight, which will reduce possible damage from bacteria.
Flossing regularly is vital to maintain proper oral health. Poor oral health can lead to a wide array of other issues. For the best oral health, you should brush twice and floss once a day. You should always obtain professional teeth cleanings every 6 months. Cleanings will allow a dentist to find potential health problems before they escalate. Proper oral maintenance will protect your teeth and keep your smile bright and healthy.