When you come in to our Raleigh dentist office for your routine check-up, we ask you “How often do you floss?” To many people, flossing seems like such a minor thing. What you may not know is that flossing your teeth at least once a day can keep your overall oral health in good standing. Flossing can reach area where your toothbrush can’t get to, making your smile whiter and brighter.
Excuses for Not Flossing
Our dental team hears many excuses about why people don’t floss their teeth. We’ve heard them all (trust us). Flossing only takes an extra minute of your morning routine, and in exchange, can add years to your life. Whether you don’t know how to floss, or it hurts when you floss, our friendly staff can help you learn some tips and tricks to floss the right way, and incorporate it into your daily routine. “I don’t have time to floss” is no longer an excuse.
Benefits of Flossing
Flossing removes plaque and food that gets stuck in between the teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. If that plaque stays there, it can dull your smile and cause teeth to decay. Flossing also helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. Healthy mouths can also help prevent other diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. By removing that hard-to-reach plaque, you can even help to fight bad breath.
How to Pick a Dental Floss
Dental floss has many options: flavors, waxed or unwaxed, brand, flossing picks or tools. If you’re having a hard time with getting traditional floss in between your teeth, or it often breaking, consider trying a floss tape which is thinner and less likely to snap when getting in those tight spaces between teeth. It can be tricky trying to figure out what the best type to use is. There really is no “right” method of flossing, everyone has their own preference on what works for them. Talk to our Raleigh dentist at your next appointment for recommendations on what the best flossing method is for you.
Get Recommendations From Our Raleigh Dentist
SilvoyDMD offers general family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry in Raleigh. Call us at 919-386-6900 or schedule an appointment online.