Is Flossing Really Necessary? Here’s Why the Answer is Yes!

Is flossing really necessary? It’s a question we get a lot here at Blacker Family Dental in Kansas City. The answer is an emphatic YES! While brushing your teeth at least twice a day is absolutely essential, that alone isn’t enough to protect your teeth and gums. For starters, brushing doesn’t always clean between your teeth, where food, bacteria, and plaque can collect. Flossing is an important part of your daily oral healthcare routine, because it can remove buildup in those hard-to-reach spaces. As your Kansas City family dentist, we’ve put together a few more helpful facts about flossing and why it’s an absolutely necessary part of your oral care routine!

What does flossing actually do?

Flossing is the only way to get into the hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth and remove food particles and plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach. If you don’t floss and remove these substances, they will encourage the buildup of harmful bacteria which can, in turn, lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

Why isn’t brushing enough?

Don’t get us wrong; brushing your teeth is extremely important. In fact, brushing at least twice a day is probably the most important thing you can do for your oral health. However, brushing alone isn’t enough. Even the very best electric toothbrushes can’t reach all the spaces between your teeth. In fact, without flossing, you’re really only cleaning about 60% of your teeth!

How does flossing help fight gum disease?

Gum disease begins with gingivitis, which occurs when bacteria builds up along the gumline. Brushing helps to remove this bacteria (and the things it feeds on), but brushing can’t do it alone. Flossing gets into those hard-to-reach places and gets rid of the bacteria that brushing can’t. Without proper care, gingivitis can lead to more severe gum disease which can, in turn, lead to tooth loss and other serious complications.

Is flossing really necessary?

As we hope we’ve explained, flossing is absolutely necessary. It’s also fast, simple, and totally worth it! Not only does it provide all of the benefits to your teeth and gums that we’ve already mentioned, it also makes you feel good, helps to fight bad breath, and leaves your mouth feeling cleaner throughout the day. Plus, it doesn’t take very long. A couple of minutes at the end of your day is sufficient to clean between your teeth and protect your oral health. What’s more, you can choose from a number of flossing options, from traditional floss to floss tape to pocket flossers, so that you can floss in whatever way works for you. You really can’t go wrong, as long as you’re flossing your teeth on a regular basis!

Besides brushing and flossing regularly, the most important thing you can do for your oral health is to come and see your Kansas City family dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. For more on how to get the most out of your oral care regimen or to schedule your next appointment, call Blacker Family Dental at (816) 763-8400 or click here to schedule an appointment today!