Brushing and Flossing Do More than Just Clean Teeth

Enjoying vibrant dental health begins at home with proper oral hygiene. Flossing and brushing does more than just clean your teeth, it prevents disease, promotes gum health, and reduces the prevalence of harmful oral bacteria in the mouth. This is why the best dentists strongly encourage patients to practice thorough and meticulous oral hygiene. Brushing should be done at least twice a day – preferably after meals and before bed. Patients should also floss every single day to clean in between teeth and along the gums.

Oral Hygiene Prevents Disease

Having clean teeth has both long term and short term benefits. While a clean mouth is important, patients should know that brushing and flossing prevents common dental conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay. Daily oral hygiene prevents bacteria from colonizing and removes plaque – a film of bacteria that coats teeth and gums. Plaque irritates gums and hardens into tartar, a calcified substance that can only be removed during a professional cleaning. With regular brushing and flossing, patients can remove most of the day’s plaque formation and reduce the risk of developing harmful conditions.

Flossing and Brushing Stimulates the Gums

While many people associate oral hygiene with having clean teeth, the truth is that brushing and flossing also keeps gums healthy. Gum tissue is sensitive and susceptible to infection. Flossing disrupts colonies of bacteria that form along the gums and brushing along the gums stimulates the gingiva to keep it healthy.

Cleaning Teeth Reduces the Risk for Permanent Stains

In addition to keeping a healthy mouth, proper oral hygiene helps keep teeth white. Permanent stains form when teeth are repeatedly exposed to dark colored foods and drinks or tobacco. Keeping your teeth clean removes surface stains and rinses away dark food and drinks that discolor teeth.

Even though oral hygiene is very important to your health, nothing can replace the need for regular dental cleanings and checkups. To schedule an examination, contact one of our skilled dentists today.