Walnut Creek Dentist’s Advice; Why Flossing is Important

Each time that you go to a Walnut Creek Dentist you seem to always hear the same question, have you been flossing? Most people try and remember to floss, but let’s face reality. For the most part people do not floss their teeth unless they know they have a dentist appointment or they may not even do it then they may only have their teeth flossed when they go to the dentist office for their 6 month cleaning. Why it is Important to Floss your Teeth? There are many reasons why flossing your teeth is so important and it is not just because your Walnut Creek Dentist said so. There are a number of different reasons to ensure that you floss your teeth on a regular basis and not just at the dentist office. One major reason to floss your teeth is because of the bacteria that can just sit in your mouth. Your mouth is the entrance for all foods and drinks so if you leave the bacteria in your mouth your body is getting all of the bacteria that you did not remove with brushing alone. Plaque stores this nasty bacteria and will only be removed from brushing and Flossing. Flossing is a mostly a preventative act that allows people to prevent expensive trips to the dentist office for one reason or another. Flossing can prevent tooth decay that can lead to cavities and even the extraction of teeth. Cavities are created when sugar is mixed with the bacteria found in dental plaque. As stated before, dental plaque cannot be removed with brushing alone. Flossing can also help to prevent gum disease. Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease that can be prevented with flossing. When you visit your Walnut Creek Dentist take a look at the pamphlets and information they have on gum disease. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of dental plaque around the gum line and even in between your teeth. Again, dental plaque is not removed with brushing alone. You will need to floss and visit your dentist office on a regular basis for cleanings to prevent gum disease. Flossing can also help with bad breath. Dental plaque buildup can cause bad breath or if you prefer the more scientific term halitosis. This is the smell that can be caused by the combination of tooth decay, gum disease, and the metabolizing bacteria left on your teeth when you don’t floss. So if you want nice smelling breath it might benefit you to floss more often than just at the dentist office.