Any dentist will tell you that flossing your teeth daily is just as important as brushing them twice a day. However, only 20% of people 
regularly floss their teeth. This leaves the vast majority of people more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Find out why you should incorporate flossing into your daily oral care routine with Dr. Kathleen M. Geipe in Salisbury, MD.
What are the benefits of flossing?
Flossing is the only way to reach the spaces between your teeth which your toothbrush’s bristles cannot during your oral care routine. Flossing knocks away bacteria and plaque which cause tooth decay and gum disease. If left on the teeth, plaque hardens into tartar. This stubborn substance remains on the teeth until professionally removed at a dental cleaning. Flossing regularly helps prevent plaque from becoming tartar at all, keeping your teeth healthier than if you did not floss at all.
How do I floss correctly?
To floss correctly, use a strand of floss about 18 inches long. Wrap each end of the floss around your forefingers, pulling the floss taught between your hands. Slide the floss between each tooth, extending it all the way up the tooth and under the gum. Move down the strand of floss with each tooth, using a new section for each tooth. Use a new strand for each quadrant of your mouth to cut down on spreading bacteria.
Regular Dental Examinations and Cleanings in Salisbury, MD
One of the best things you can do to keep your mouth and teeth healthy is to see your dentist at least twice a year for regular dental examinations and cleanings. These preventative visits help your dentist discover problems with your teeth early. This prevents a condition like a cavity, which is treated with a simple dental filling, from becoming a full infection and requiring a procedure like a root canal. Additionally, regular cleanings remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth, giving you a fresh start to properly care for your teeth between appointments.
For more information on flossing, please contact Dr. Kathleen M. Geipe in Salisbury, MD. Call (410) 543-0599 to schedule your appointment!