Chicago Family Dentistry

Flossing is not second fiddle to brushing. They are both crucial to maintaining overall dental health. Many feel that because brushing is stressed so much more frequently by ads that it is more important. This is just untrue. Flossing is as important as brushing, if not more so. Despite being crucial, flossing provides a variety of benefits that merely brushing cannot provide.

The biggest, most visible, benefit of flossing is that it removes large and small particles of food from between the teeth. Sometimes large and small pieces of food get stuck between the teeth where they are especially snug. Many try to use the tip of their tongue to remove a piece of orange or spinach and end up with a very sore tongue. An easier, less painful, way of removing the food would be to get out a piece of dental floss. This means that not only can flossing remove unsightly food from the teeth but it can also provide a large degree of comfort.

The pieces of food, while uncomfortable, are also a more serious problem. These bits of food that are easily missed by a toothbrush can foster and encourage tooth decay. When food is left in contact with the surface of the tooth, cavities can begin to form. Dental floss and flossing will prevent this by sweeping the bits of food out from between the teeth. In addition, these same bits of food can be trapped against the gums. This can contribute to gum disease but can be prevented with flossing.

Contact a Chicago Family Dentist

If you have not visited the dentist for a thorough cleaning and dental check up, contact the Chicago family dentists of Advanced Family Dental Associates at 773-767-1554 to schedule an appointment.