New Teeth Implants Specialists in Rutherford Bust Eight Flossing Excuses, PART 1

This four-part article series seeks to challenge the many excuses made by people for not flossing their teeth on a daily basis.

How often do you floss? Do you floss at all? Or just after a particularly fibrous or meaty meal? According to new teeth implant specialists in Rutherford, flossing is one of the most important components of a home oral hygiene routine - perhaps even more so than brushing in the fight against periodontal (gum) disease.

Why Is Flossing So Important?

Because flossing cleans between the teeth and beneath the gum line where bacteria and food debris are more likely to accumulate and tooth decay more likely to occur. Since your toothbrush cannot reach these places, flossing becomes necessary. “Without flossing, you are missing out on cleaning approximately 35% of the surfaces of your teeth,” says a new teeth specialists in New York NY. “That is certainly not a very thorough clean!”

How Does America Do With Flossing?

According to a survey conducted in 2008, slightly less than half (49%) of Americans floss their teeth every day, while 10% never do. Those in between tend to floss when they feel like it, which is undoubtedly not very often. Many dentists can tell from the build-up of plaque and tartar between the teeth that the only time their patients even pick up dental floss is on the morning of their appointment. Unfortunately, the damage has been done and the neglect will be evident in the health of their teeth and gums.

“Of course, everyone has a reason not to floss,” say new teeth implant specialists in Rutherford. “No matter what your hesitation or problem is with regards to flossing, there are ways you can work around it to keep the tiny spaces between your teeth and at the gum margin clean and debris-free. This will help prevent the development of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.”

In this four-part article series, new teeth specialists in New York NY provide us with the eight most common flossing excuses, why they are unfounded and/or just how patients can work around them.

Flunking Flossing Excuse # 1: I don’t usually get food caught between my teeth so I find that I don’t really need to floss.

Flossing, while useful in removing food that gets trapped between your teeth, is not done exclusively for this reason. In fact, flossing is more about removing the build-up of plaque (oral bacteria) that accumulates here throughout the course of your day. No matter how snugly your teeth sit against each other, there is always plenty of space for bacteria to collect and establish a little ecosystem for themselves. And this is what causes cavities, tooth decay and gum inflammation (gingivitis) and periodontal disease.

“Flossing is the best and most effective method for keeping the spaces between your teeth clean and healthy,” say new teeth implant specialists in Rutherford.

Flunking Flossing Excuse # 2: The floss I use keeps shredding and getting caught between my teeth. It’s annoying.

Floss can shred or become frayed for a variety of reasons. You could have a cavity with a sharp edge, a jagged filling or a problematic dental restoration that is causing the floss to become snagged and broken. “You should speak to your dentist about this to see whether this might be the reason behind your difficulties,” suggest new teeth specialists in New York NY. “Alternatively, you might just be using a bad brand of dental floss. Some brands are made better and are sturdier than others, so try a different kind next time you go shopping.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

If your excuse hasn’t come yet, it just still might! Stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series on flossing, why it’s so important and how you can work around any possible difficulties.