When we picture oral and dental hygiene, many of us immediately think of brushing our teeth on a daily basis along with visits to the dentist for routine cleanings and check-ups. Though teeth brushing is a crucial part of keeping your teeth clean, it should always be followed by flossing. While brushing gets rid of a large percentage of oral bacteria, flossing is able to get rid of bacteria in hard-to-reach places, such as between the teeth. Toothbrushes simply cannot reach interdental plaque and bacteria.

Why Don’t We Floss?

In today’s world, flossing is widely neglected. For some, flossing takes too much time out of the day when compared to brushing. For others, flossing can be painful and can cause the gums to bleed if done improperly. These reasons alone may turn anyone away from wanting to use floss. But studies have shown that without flossing, the mouth is vulnerable to bacteria living between the teeth, which leaves the mouth and gums at risk for infections.

To ensure that your smile remains healthy both inside and out, brush and floss daily, and schedule routine dental visits. To schedule appointments, patients can call or email Dr. Dunayer’s office today.