You may reach for your floss when you feel a piece of food wedged between your teeth, but do you also reach for it when it is time for you to follow your daily hygiene routine? This action is an important part of preventive dental care, as it helps you effectively clean spaces that are otherwise difficult to reach. Without a routine that includes flossing, you can make yourself more vulnerable to tooth decay as well as to problems with gum disease. Our Rochester, MN dentist’s office is happy to offer guidance regarding your smile care routine, which can help you more effectively guard your smile against problems.
The Importance Of Good Oral Hygiene Habits
The right oral hygiene habits provide a valuable line of defense between your enamel and accumulated bacteria and food debris. On a consistent basis, you can clear away materials that can cause cavities. While your toothbrush can do a good job cleaning much of your smile, it can prove difficult to remove harmful material that are gathering between teeth. If these spaces are not receiving the right attention, you become more vulnerable to dental decay as well as to problems with gum disease.
What Does An Effective Flossing Routine Look Like?
If you want to protect the spaces between your teeth, you should take care to floss at least once per day. Doing so stops bacteria and food particles from accumulating, lowers your risk for problems with plaque and tartar buildup, and generally keeps your smile healthy. In addition to practicing this habit once per day, you should give yourself time to thoroughly work the string between teeth. Without vertical movements that reach the gum line, flossing only protects a portion of the areas that should receive attention.
How Your Dentist Helps You Protect Your Smile
Every regular dental exam provides important updates about the state of your smile. While it is important to have a good routine in place, you should not assume that you are doing “enough” to make these appointments unnecessary. One reason for this is that you receive a teeth cleaning from your hygienist that removes harmful buildup that you have missed, or that you are not able to remove through brushing and flossing alone. Another benefit to these visits is that they provide you with timely warnings when problems are already present and require our services.
Talk To Your Rochester, MN Dentist’s Office About The Importance Of Regular Flossing
If it is not a part of your routine already, you should make flossing a piece of your daily smile care regimen. By doing so, you can ensure that an area that is difficult to reach with your toothbrush enjoys more support. To find out more, call Calcagno Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.