Make Flossing a Priority: The Key to a Healthier Smile

While brushing your teeth twice a day is crucial, it’s only half the battle when it comes to maintaining optimal oral health. Flossing plays an equally important role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) states that brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the tooth’s surface. The remaining 40%—found between the teeth and below the gumline—requires the use of dental floss to be cleaned effectively. At Alora Dentistry in Napa Valley, we’re committed to helping our patients make flossing a regular part of their oral hygiene routine.

Why Flossing Is Essential

Flossing is not just an optional add-on to brushing; it’s an integral part of preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental issues. Here’s why flossing should be a priority:

1. Removes Plaque Between Teeth Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When it accumulates in areas your toothbrush can’t reach, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing removes this plaque, helping to prevent cavities and protect your gums.
2. Prevents Gum Disease Gum disease is a major concern for many adults, and it often starts between the teeth where brushing can’t reach. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 47% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. Flossing daily helps reduce your risk of developing gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) and can even reverse it.
3. Reduces the Risk of Tooth Loss Advanced gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth if not treated early. Flossing daily helps maintain the health of your gums and supporting bone, which are critical for keeping your teeth in place.
4. Freshens Breath Food particles and bacteria can become trapped between your teeth, causing bad breath (halitosis). By flossing regularly, you remove these trapped particles, leaving your mouth feeling fresher and cleaner.
5. Improves Overall Health Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Research has shown that gum disease is associated with several systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that individuals with gum disease are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular problems. Flossing not only helps keep your gums healthy but may also lower your risk of these serious health conditions.

Different Flossing Tools to Make It Easier

Flossing doesn’t have to be a chore. With the variety of flossing tools available today, you can find the right one to fit your needs and make it easier to incorporate into your daily routine.

Here are some effective flossing tools that can help:

1. Traditional Dental Floss Traditional dental floss is a string made of nylon or PTFE material. It’s highly effective at reaching between teeth and under the gumline to remove plaque. Choose waxed floss if your teeth are closely spaced, as it can glide more easily between tight contacts.
2. Floss Picks Floss picks are small, disposable tools that hold a piece of dental floss on a plastic handle. They’re convenient for on-the-go flossing and can be easier to use for people who struggle with traditional floss, especially when reaching the back teeth.
3. Water Flossers Water flossers, like the Waterpik, use a stream of water to remove plaque and food particles between teeth and below the gumline. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that water flossers are 29% more effective than traditional floss in reducing plaque. This tool is especially helpful for people with braces, dental implants, or sensitive gums.
4. Interdental Brushes Interdental brushes are small, brush-like tools designed to clean between teeth. They’re a great option for people with larger gaps between their teeth or those who find traditional floss difficult to maneuver.
5. Powered Flossers Powered flossers, like electric toothbrushes, provide a more automated way to clean between your teeth. They often have vibrating or rotating heads that help dislodge plaque and food particles. This tool can be an excellent option for individuals with limited dexterity.

Make Flossing a Daily Habit

Making flossing a daily habit can be challenging, but the long-term benefits for your oral and overall health are undeniable. Here are a few tips to help you stick to your flossing routine:

• Set a Reminder: Keep your floss in a visible place as a reminder to floss before or after brushing.
• Combine It with Another Habit: Floss while you watch TV or listen to music to make it feel less like a chore.
• Use Tools That Work for You: Whether you prefer traditional floss or a water flosser, find a tool that makes flossing more convenient for your lifestyle.

Visit Alora Dentistry in Napa Valley for a Healthy Smile

At Alora Dentistry, we believe in the power of preventive care to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Flossing is a critical component of that care, and we’re here to help you find the best tools and techniques for your unique needs. If you have questions about your flossing routine or need advice on which flossing tools to use, our team is ready to assist you.

Contact Alora Dentistry in Napa Valley today to schedule your next appointment and ensure your oral hygiene is on track for a lifetime of healthy smiles.