In a recent investigation by the Associated Press, it stated that flossing could be bad for your teeth. But can flossing be bad?
According to the recent investigation, most studies failed to tell that flossing could be effective in removing plaque. However, flossing’s main goal is not to eliminate plaque. Keep in mind that the point of flossing is to get rid of food debris that, when not remove through flossing, can lead to plaque.
And we all know that if plaque is not removed, it can build into tartar which can only be eliminated through dental cleaning. Flossing helps in cleaning the area that is under-cared for. That is, between teeth.
Can flossing help avoid tooth decay between the teeth?
It’s not correct to say that you have cavities between your teeth or molars because you did not floss adequately. Flossing can remove food debris trapped between the teeth. However, no research backs up how effective floss is in lowering your risk of decay in that area. Furthermore, there are several factors that cause why molars get decayed.
There are no studies yet to prove that flossing can stop decay from arising. However, it does not mean that you must not floss. You must understand that flossing gets rid of the trapped food between teeth, which may cause plaque, tartar, and decay. In other words, your teeth may still have cavities even if you floss regularly because of the many factors that can result in cavities.
Also, bear in mind that improper brushing can also result in cavities. It is also the same for flossing. If you improperly floss your teeth, then you will never achieve desired results.
In other words, improper flossing can be bad for your health and not flossing per se. If you floss unconsciously, for example, can cause trauma to the gum tissue. Not paying attention while you floss will only cause you to miss the opportunity to eliminate elements from your teeth that might cause cavities.
How to get the most from flossing?
Make sure that you floss consciously. When you floss, take a piece of it that is long enough. In this way, you are using a new segment between every set of teeth. Then, after every flossing point, look at the floss and find any discoloration. Any discoloration can be a sign that you have an infection the gum pockets.
Then, smell it after every contact. Any bleeding or bad smell may be an indication of an active infection affecting your gum pockets.
Make it a habit of flossing consciously
Flossing is a healthy habit, as long as you do it consciously. And make sure that you do it regularly. If you failed to floss regularly, bad bugs in the mouth could grow and strengthen. They may cause gum tissue inflammation and gingivitis. With regular flossing, you can stop gingivitis in its tracks.
When you do floss, be gentle on your gums. Never use aggressive motions. That is, don’t pull the floss tightly. You must gently yet firmly slide it down and back up.
To teach you how to floss correctly, make sure to visit Nicholas S St George DDS dental office. He will show you the proper way to floss to ensure you are maximizing its benefits.
