Are You Flossing at Home?

Once you’ve been to the dentist a few times, you’re ready for this question. “How often are you flossing?” You know it’s coming, and you know you’ll have to tiptoe around it. For a select few, the answer may be a confident “Once a day.” For most people, however, the question prompts a sheepish, “Probably not as much as I should be.” Even if you commit to brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing can be a different challenge. If it hasn’t worked its way into your daily routine, you may forget to make time. Flossing is an essential step in the home care process. Flossing reaches surfaces of the teeth that brushing cannot. It also promotes a healthy gum line — an area that can cause you major problems if you leave it unattended.

Gum Disease Can Bring Some Serious Consequences with it

Your dentist isn’t trying to make you feel guilty just for the sake of it when they ask if you’ve been flossing. They want to you build strong habits so that you preserve the health of your teeth! Gum disease starts at gingivitis. You’ve no doubt heard of this condition. Swelling and inflammation are early signs of a problem. However, if you don’t treat gingivitis, it can progress to periodontitis. This condition is irreversible and leads to the weakening of the jaw bone. You could even lose teeth as a result of this condition.

If You Make Flossing Part of Your at Home Routine, Your Teeth Will Thank You

Incorporating flossing into your oral hygiene routine is a matter of training yourself. Try setting a timer near when you’d go to bed to remind yourself to floss. Or place your floss in front of your toothpaste in the medicine cabinet or drawer. That way you come face-to-face with the floss before you brush your teeth. Making this adjustment will go a long way toward improving your oral health. Plus, you can look your dentist in the eyes with confidence the next time you’re asked about your flossing habits.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Baxter Dentist

Strong home care practices are just part of the oral health equation. You also need to make biannual visits to the dentist for cleanings and exams. If it’s time for your next visit, make your appointment with Dr. Roberts at the Greenhaven Family Dental team. To schedule a cleaning and exam, contact Greenhaven Family Dental in Baxter, MN at 218-454-0523.