Flossing and Brushing:

Frequent Brushing and Flossing will make your teeth healthier by eradicating bacteria which cause tooth decay, as well as removing particles of food in between the teeth which could attract tooth decay. Both flossing and brushing are equally important to dental hygiene, with most dentists recommending that people brush, at least twice a day. Next to brushing, flossing is most important to ensure good oral health and therefore your overall health.

Your teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. Your dentist can instruct you in proper tooth brushing techniques, which are designed to clean all of your teeth. A number of companies make tooth brushing products which are designed to assist consumers with their brushing, including angled toothbrushes and toothbrushes which use ultrasound technology. Be sure to replace your toothbrush on regular basis when the old one begins to lose its form.

Dental Floss can reach areas which a toothbrush cannot. Dental floss is more flexible, and can be used to get down to the gum line in between the teeth. It is recommended that teeth should be flossed with 18 inches (45 centimeters) of dental floss. This will allow the user to use a clean section of dental floss on each tooth.

Flossing should be done with care to prevent cutting into the gums. Press the dental floss gently along the tooth into the gums and move it back and forth, as well as up and down, to dislodge embedded material. When you are finished, move to a clean section of floss and start on the next tooth.

Brushing and Flossing Reduce the Risk of Gum Disease and other Related Health Problems.

Taking good care of your teeth may also reduce discolorations of your teeth caused by foods and beverages.

Diseases of the mouth and gums are referred to as periodontal diseases, because they are around (perio) the teeth (dontal). Periodontal diseases can cause painful, gum infections at a minor level, and more systemic health problems including heart disease in other instances. Systemic infection is caused by bacteria in the gums moving through the rest of the bloodstream.

Because Oral Health is such an important part of overall health, it is crucial to take good care of your teeth. In addition to brushing and flossing daily, regular visits to a dentist are recommended. A dental hygienist can clean your teeth more thoroughly with professional equipment, as well as identify areas of the mouth which need more careful monitoring or attention.

What Happens If You Don't Floss?

If you do not floss and allow plaque to remain in between teeth it eventually hardens into a substance known as tartar. Unlike plaque which can be easily removed by brushing, tartar can only be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist.

If not cleaned over time, levels of more dangerous types of bacteria are building up within the tartar. These bacteria produce toxins which irritate and inflame the gums. This condition is known as gingivitis.