Do You Really Have To Floss Every Day?

With chores building up each and every day, you may look for a way to offer yourself some breathing space by cutting one or two things out of your daily routine. Can flossing be that thing you remove from your plate? Not if you want an empty plate, as in, such difficulty with chewing that eating isn’t possible. If you’re wondering if you need to floss every day; the answer is yes!

Every Single Day? I Can’t Miss Just One? 

It’s understandable and even predictable that you will miss a day or two here and there from flossing; however, the American Dental Association recommendation for flossing is once a day for a reason: plaque-creating bacteria take only four to 12 hours to develop. Plaque is a sticky substance leftover from food particles and can be a hotspot for bacteria to develop, which can eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Specifically, flossing has been shown to reduce the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Or, if you’re thinking about slowing down on your flossing routine, a better way of thinking about it is that by not flossing, you’re increasing your risk of cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease.

Not Just Every Day, But Floss the Right Way 

Flossing is a job that won’t be done well if it is just done. For flossing to be done well, it needs to be done well. This means that you floss not just in between your teeth but also the back of your teeth, and floss all the way down to the gum line (trust us, your dentist will be able to tell if you don’t).

Flossing may be a chore, but it is a necessary part of proper dental hygiene.

Haven’t Flossed In Awhile? 

If you haven’t been flossing regularly, it’s best to come in and get a proper assessment of your oral health, and maybe even a cleaning. Patients in the Palm Beach Gardens area who are looking for compassionate, professional care, look no further than Lerner & Lemongello! Flossing may be a chore, but don’t let it become a pain in the mouth, give us a call at 561-627-9000.