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Flossing is a great way to remove plaque from between your teeth. Plaque contains bacteria and causes tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing at least once a day will prevent plaque buildup. Brushing your teeth twice a day prevents tooth decay and gum disease.

Oral Hygiene at Home

Oral hygiene is the practice of taking care of your mouth and teeth. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to clean off plaque and food particles that can build up and cause tooth decay or cavities. You also need to floss daily to remove food debris between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.

If you are having trouble keeping your teeth clean, then our dentist may provide you with additional instructions to keep your mouth healthy and clean. If your teeth are not properly cleaned on a regular basis, then you run the risk of developing a variety of oral health problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. 

Importance of Oral Hygiene

Dental health extends beyond just caring for your teeth; it also affects the gums and jaw bones. If you don’t practice good oral hygiene habits, you can develop inflamed or infected gum tissue, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss. If you want to avoid these consequences and improve your dental health, you should be sure to practice daily oral health care habits and visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams.

Your teeth have a hard outer layer of enamel that protects them against damage. However, it is prone to erosion due to food and bacteria that can become trapped in the pores of the teeth. If you do not brush and floss your teeth every day to clean away the food particles, the plaque can build up and lead to tooth decay and other issues.

In addition, your gums require attention as well. If they are not kept clean, they will become inflamed, leading to redness, soreness, and even bleeding when you brush or floss. This inflammation is the beginning of gum disease, which can result in gum recession, loosening of teeth, bone loss in the jaw, and eventually, tooth loss.

How to Floss Properly

Use a long piece of floss and wrap it around your index fingers, leaving a few inches of floss between them. Then slide the floss between your teeth and all the way down to your gum line. Gently rub the side of each tooth to remove plaque and food particles. Repeat this process for each space between your teeth, and remember to floss behind your last molar.

For more information, contact our Alexandria dental office at (703) 823-2848 or 5130 Duke St, Suite 8, Alexandria, VA 22304, or our Manassas dental office at (703) 479-7654 or 8608 Centreville Rd, Manassas, VA 20110.