When it comes to good oral health, brushing your teeth is a habit we all have ingrained in our daily routines. But many of us overlook the equally important habit of flossing. Brushing your teeth does a great job of cleaning the surfaces, but flossing is what gets into the areas your toothbrush can’t. Together, flossing and brushing are the foundation of a complete oral hygiene routine and a healthy, shiny smile.
In this post we’ll look at why both flossing and brushing are important for oral health and how they work together to prevent cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
Brushing: The Surface Cleaner
Brushing your teeth is the most well-known and widely practiced part of oral hygiene. It removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from the surface of your teeth and gums. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, can build up throughout the day and cause tooth decay if not removed regularly. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps to prevent this by scrubbing away plaque and food debris.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. You should brush for two minutes, making sure to cover all surfaces of each tooth, front, back, and chewing surfaces. Brushing is good for preventing cavities and gum disease, but it can’t get into every nook and cranny of your mouth, which is where flossing comes in.
Flossing: What Your Toothbrush Can’t Reach
While brushing removes plaque from the visible surfaces of your teeth, it can’t clean the tight spaces between your teeth and beneath your gumline. These areas are where bacteria and plaque like to build up and cause cavities, gum inflammation, and gum disease.
This is where flossing comes in. Dental floss is designed to slide between your teeth and remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing also helps to gently massage the gums, promoting healthy circulation and reducing the risk of gum disease. The ADA recommends flossing once a day, before bed, so plaque doesn’t have a chance to build up overnight. Don’t rush it; take your time to clean each space between your teeth thoroughly.
How Flossing and Brushing Work Together?
Flossing and Brushing are the best ways to have great oral health. Brushing alone can remove plaque from the tooth surfaces, but it can’t get to the spaces in between the teeth where plaque builds up the most. Flossing targets those hard-to-reach areas, making sure no plaque or food is left behind.
When you Flossing and Brushing together you’re giving your teeth and gums comprehensive care. Brushing removes surface plaque and bacteria, flossing removes plaque and food between the teeth and along the gumline. By doing both you reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
The Dangers of Skipping Flossing and Brushing
Brushing alone is better than nothing, but skipping flossing altogether can lead to serious oral health problems. Plaque between the teeth can cause cavities, gum irritation, and even gum disease (gingivitis) if left untreated. Gingivitis, if not treated it can cause periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
Flossing without brushing is less effective in maintaining oral health. Flossing can clean between the teeth but doesn’t clean the broader surfaces of the teeth or remove plaque from the back of the mouth. Brushing makes sure your whole mouth is clean, reducing your overall risk of tooth decay and gum issues.
Why Trust Dr John A. Benkovich?
Dr. John A. Benkovich is a highly experienced orthodontist serving the Annapolis and Chester, Maryland areas. With over 20 years of experience and a reputation for great care, Dr. Benkovich has treated thousands of patients. His practice offers a wide range of orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces and Invisalign, customized to each patient’s needs. Dr. Benkovich is committed to personalized care using the latest technology to ensure comfortable and effective treatment options. Whether you want to enhance your smile or improve your dental health, Dr. Benkovich is the orthodontist to trust in the area.
Conclusion
Flossing and Brushing are both key to great oral health. Brushing removes surface plaque and debris, flossing removes between the teeth and beneath the gumline where your toothbrush can’t reach. Together they prevent cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues and keep your smile healthy and bright. Do Flossing and Brushing both and you’ll reap the long term benefits of great oral health.
