London dentists can show you how to protect your teeth by flossing
Next to brushing, flossing is the most important method of maintaining healthy teeth and good oral hygiene. Millions of bacteria can live in the gaps between your teeth, especially on particles of food that are lodged there. Flossing is crucial in removing these particles that are breeding grounds for nasty bacteria which can cause tooth decay, bad breath and other assorted oral health problems.
If these areas are not regular cleaned the bacteria will eventually produce acid, which will eat into tooth enamel and cause cavities. It will also produce foul smelling sulfurous compounds which are the major cause of embarrassing bad breath.
The bacteria live in a substance called plaque, which is made up of mucus and other debris. Brushing can get rid of plaque but often misses harder to reach places such as between the teeth and below the gumline. Flossing regularly can ensure that these harder to reach areas are kept clean and prevent the build up of plaque.
If plaque is not removed by brushing or flossing it will eventually harden into a substance called tartar which can only be removed by a dentist. If tartar is left to build up it can produce nasty toxins which can cause gingivitis, a disease that causes painful irritation of the gums. Eventually, this can lea to the erosion of the bone structure that hold the teeth in place and will result in tooth loss. There is a also evidence to suggest that flossing regularly can prevent oral cancer and other cancer in the body.
The American Dental Association recommends flossing the teeth at least once a day. For advice on how to floss your teeth properly consult your London dentist who can show you how to protect your smile for a lifetime.
