Flossing is carefully moving a piece of dental floss up and down between each tooth to remove any food particles or plaque that can cause damage. Many dental associations and dental product companies recommend flossing at least once a day to minimize buildup while stimulating healthy gums.
Flossing removes any foreign particles stuck between teeth. Having food stuck between teeth is more than embarrassing; it can also damage one’s oral health. When food particles or other residue is left to sit along the gum line or between teeth in hard-to-brush areas, it can form plaque. Plaque is a sticky deposit from the food and saliva mixture in the mouth. After a time, if not properly removed, plaque will develop into tartar or calculus, which can eventually cause gum disease or other complications. Tartar can form quickly; when it does, the dentist must use special tools to remove it.
Most pediatric dentists recommend flossing at least once a day. Many children prefer to floss before bed so they do not sleep with food particles or bacteria that proliferate in their mouths overnight. Parents with young children may also prefer nighttime flossing because they do not have to rush, unlike in the morning. Other kids, often teens, prefer to keep floss handy and privately floss after every meal or snack to ensure they maintain good oral hygiene basics. No matter the time, flossing at least once a day, every day, helps ensure a healthy routine.
Flossing is often misunderstood and incorrectly executed. To floss correctly, begin by unraveling a piece of traditional dental floss at least the length of one’s forearm and follow these directions:
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Adding flossing to your child’s regular care routine will help prevent both gingivitis and periodontitis. These two preventable gum conditions can have lasting consequences on their oral health. In addition, good dental hygiene also helps maintain whole-body health. Consult with a pediatric dentist for more tips on flossing and other oral hygiene basics.
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