Dental floss is one of the most important tools in fighting tooth decay and gum disease. While brushing your teeth twice a day is crucial, flossing removes plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush can't reach.However, neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to serious consequences, such as cavities and gum disease. Flossing can prevent such dental problems and save you from costly dental treatments.
Despite its effectiveness, many people neglect to floss regularly. A survey conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) found that only about half of Americans floss their teeth daily. This could be due to a lack of awareness or simply finding flossing to be a tedious task.
Flossing is especially important for removing plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. When left unchecked, plaque can harden into tartar and cause gum inflammation and bleeding. This can eventually lead to periodontitis, a serious gum infection that can result in tooth loss.
In addition to daily flossing, it's also important to use the correct flossing technique. The ADA recommends using about 18 inches of floss and a back-and-forth motion to remove debris between the teeth. You should also be gentle when flossing to avoid injuring your gums.