Preventive dentistry focuses on the prevention and early detection of oral health concerns to help ensure they do not develop or progress to a more severe stage that is harder to treat. One of the primary goals of preventive dentistry is to help patients care for their teeth between check-up visits, which should include proper flossing during one’s daily oral care routine.
Many understand the importance of brushing teeth, but the importance of flossing is often understated or not fully appreciated by many. This review discusses the benefits of flossing for preventive dentistry to illustrate exactly why dental professionals find it so important for patients to floss regularly.
Often, the inevitable result of an improper flossing routine is the development of gum disease. Of course, brushing and the use of mouthwash may help reduce the risk of gum disease, but flossing is equally important. This is because flossing can remove plaque and food particles that accumulate along the gum line, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that may be missed while brushing.
Decay (cavities) can occur in between teeth if food and plaque become lodged and are not promptly removed. This creates an acidic reaction that can eat away at the dental enamel, leading to the need for restorative dentistry. Flossing is, of course, the most logical way to remove food that is lodged in between teeth and reduce the risk of decay in hard-to-reach areas.
Patients who begin flossing regularly often find that their breath smells better throughout each day. This makes sense considering the strong odor that food can have, especially when combined with bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth. Flossing, along with brushing, mouthwash, and drinking water throughout the day, can prevent bad breath (halitosis).
Flossing can prevent plaque build-up in between and along the edges of teeth. It can also make teeth look and feel as if more space is between them as well, which can provide the patient with a much more attractive smile that gives them more confidence daily.
Research has shown that individuals who develop gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease as well. While the specific reason for the correlation is not definitive, many believe this is because gum disease may contribute to the narrowing of arteries. Subsequently, by flossing and reducing the risk of gum disease, one is also reducing the risk of heart disease as well.
Here at our practice, we offer preventive dentistry services as well as restorative dentistry to help patients achieve ideal oral health. If you have any specific concerns about your oral health or are due for your next check-up visit, then we encourage you to give us a call to schedule a visit today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.springfieldmoderndental.com or call Modern Dental of Springfield at (217) 321-4552 for an appointment in our Springfield office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care in Springfield, IL.
Dental cleaning visits with a general dentist are one of the most important parts of maintaining good oral health. However, many are surprised to learn that overall health also benefits from these quick and simple dental cleaning appointments. When considering whether or not a dental cleaning is worth the time spent in the office chair,…
Looking for information on general dentistry preventive care? Many people think that routine appointments with a dentist are just for cleanings and examinations, however, that is far from the truth. These routine appointments can also be used for preventive care. Preventive care helps to keep the patient's teeth and gums in good oral health, by…
Your general dentist can give you regular dental cleanings. This type of treatment can keep bad bacteria from causing significant dental damage. That is why keeping your dental appointments is crucial. Here are the details about how important dental cleanings are, according to your general dentist.Regular dental cleanings can remove surface discolorations or stains. A…
Suffering from bad breath? It is easy to neglect some of the most important routines when it comes to dental hygiene. While it is recommended to brush twice a day, there are a lot of key steps that many people neglect in taking care of their teeth. Let us take a look at some of…
The one thing connecting gum disease and tooth decay is bacterial plaque. With a diligent…
Finding out that you need a root canal can be nerve-racking. Caring for the treated…
A loose dental filling occurs when the adhesive material that holds the filling in place…
Preventive care helps to keep the patient's teeth and gums in good oral health, by…
When you need dental bridges, your dentist will work with an oral surgeon to find…
A growing number of people are choosing dental veneers due to their popularity as a…
