Taking care of your oral health may seem pretty straightforward, however there are several steps that may be ignored by patients. Our professional team at Dental Design in Buffalo Grove, Illinois eagerly provides patients like you with practical suggestions on how to better care for their smiles and oral health. Flossing is one essential step that helps to maintain proper oral health. Why is flossing so important? How can you be better at flossing your teeth? How can our local team help? Continue reading on to learn everything you need to know regarding flossing your pearly whites.
Why is Flossing Important?
If you are sincerely looking to improve your flossing habits, it may help by understanding why it is so important to floss on a regular basis. Our dental team encourages this habit because it helps to keep both the teeth and gums healthy and clean. Each time we eat, food particles and harmful bacteria begin to build up. Effective flossing techniques help to remove the debris. If left ignored, they can lead to the creation of plaque. Your toothbrush can only remove so much debris; flossing helps to eliminate the remainder of bacteria that can damage your oral health before it hardens into tartar. Plaque can lead to tooth decay, such as cavities, and tartar can lead to the severe condition of bone loss. Taking a few moments out of your day to properly floss your teeth can greatly transform the quality of your smile.
How to Get Started with Your Flossing Journey in Buffalo Grove
Maintaining any new habit will take effort and time; the same is true of instilling the habit of flossing your smile each day. Thankfully, our Buffalo Grove dental team has compiled a few practical tips on how to properly floss your pearly whites:
- Find a comfortable floss that works best for you. There are several different methods and products that help to make flossing more comfortable. These include traditional floss, dental picks, pre-threaded flossers, and small brushes. Besides all these methods, traditional floss comes in a variety of options, including waxed, unwaxed, ridged, smooth, or fluorinated. Shop around and see which one feels the most comfortable for you!
- Stay consistent. You may be discouraged if you miss one or two days in the beginning of your flossing journey. However, did you know it can take up to two months to form a new habit? Be reasonable with yourself and don’t give up! Tell a couple friends or family members about your new goal in order to keep yourself motivated.
- Notice the results. There is no doubt that your local dentist will quickly notice your new habit of flossing during your biannual appointment. Your smile may even begin to feel less sensitive and more fresh.
What Else Can You Do For Your Smile?
In addition to building an oral hygiene routine, your Illinois dentist encourages dental cleanings and exams at least twice a year. These appointments are essential in keeping a healthy and dazzling smile that you can be proud of.
