Everyone seems to have an excuse not to floss. But did you know that flossing can prevent tooth loss and could even save you money? Oral hygiene is essential in protecting your oral and overall health. Lilburn, GA general dentist Dr. Harry McCool emphasizes the importance of flossing because your oral health may depend on it.
Debunking Flossing Excuses
- Excuse: My teeth are close together, so food does not get stuck in between them.
Truth: Flossing can help remove food debris, but the real benefit of flossing is its ability to remove plaque build up. Flossing can get into the places where bacteria loves to breed and where a toothbrush cannot reach. Even if your teeth appear to be close together, bacteria still grows in between your teeth. Plaque can cause tooth decay and gum disease. - Excuse: Flossing is too time consuming.
Truth: It is not. It only takes about 1 or 2 minutes to thoroughly floss your teeth. Dental fillings and gum surgery take a lot longer and are a lot more uncomfortable and a lot more expensive. Flossing helps to prevent the development of advanced oral health conditions and prevents the need for complex procedures. - Excuse: I do not know how to floss.
Truth: No problem, Dr. McCool and our dental care team at our Lilburn dentist office are happy to help. We can show you proper flossing techniques for the benefit of your teeth and gums. - Excuse: My gums bleed when I floss.
Truth: If your gums are bleeding when you floss, you may already have some level of gum disease. Gum disease is a progressive condition that needs to be addressed by Dr. McCool. A bacterial infection of the gums, periodontal disease can lead to chronic halitosis, tooth loss and even systemic problems like heart disease. Life long flossing and brushing habits can help deter the development of gum disease.
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Regular visits to Dr. McCool may also help diagnosis complex oral health concerns in the earliest stages when they can be addressed with conservative dental treatments. Remember to also brush and floss twice a day to keep your smile bright and healthy!