Flossing gets skipped more than any other part of a dental hygiene routine, but it’s doing work brushing alone can’t. The American Dental Association recommends interdental cleaners like floss specifically because a toothbrush can’t reach between teeth or below the gumline — leaving plaque to build up in exactly the spots most prone to decay.
1. Removes Plaque Brushing Misses
Plaque is a sticky, largely invisible film that forms when sugars and starches interact with bacteria in your mouth. Left in place along the gumline and between teeth, the acids it produces gradually break down enamel, which is how cavities get started.
2. Reduces Bad Breath
Food trapped between teeth decomposes over time, and plaque buildup along the gumline contributes to the bacterial activity behind chronic bad breath. Flossing clears both.
3. Helps Keep Your Smile Bright
Plaque and tartar carry a yellowish tint, so removing them regularly helps teeth look brighter without whitening treatments. It won’t reverse staining from coffee or tobacco, but it addresses one contributor to a dull-looking smile.
4. Helps Prevent Gum Disease
Plaque left along the gumline causes inflammation that, over time, progresses to periodontal (gum) disease — and in advanced stages, that can mean bone loss, loose teeth, or tooth loss. Daily flossing is one of the simplest ways to keep it from getting there.
Due for a cleaning or checkup? Call Densley Dental at (702) 212-6641 to schedule your next appointment.