At District Dental, we’re often asked if flossing is really that important. Let’s look at it this way, take a random group of 100 adults with healthy diets (meaning they don’t consume a lot of sugar) and healthy brushing habits. Say, 50 of those people floss and 50 don’t. The 50 that don’t floss are far more likely to have cavities or gum disease than those that do.
That’s because brushing only cleans the front and back surfaces of your teeth. Flossing cleans the sides of your teeth and the area near the gum line. They work in tandem to clean and remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth. What Is Plaque? Why Do You Need to Remove It? Plaque consists of active colonies of bacteria. The hard-to-reach spots between your teeth and underneath the gums are where the most destructive bacteria live. Within 24 to 36 hours, plaque turns into tartar which can only be removed by visiting your dentist in North Vancouver. If you floss at least once a day, however, plaque never has the chance to harden into tartar. When plaque is not removed, it can cause gingivitis and periodontitis. When it comes to kids, your child's teeth should be flossed as soon as they have two teeth that touch. Children usually need help flossing until they’re about 11 years old. Flossing 101: How to Floss Properly Step 1: Take a length of floss equal to the distance from your hand to your shoulder. Step 2: Slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it into a "C" shape around the base of the tooth and gently under the gum line. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times. Step 3: Be sure to floss both sides of every tooth. Don't forget the backs of your last molars; that’s where most gum disease and tooth decay occurs. Step 4: Brush your teeth after you floss. Do You Need a Family Dentist in North Vancouver? Good oral health involves a mix of at-home dental care and professional dental care. If you need a family dentist in North Vancouver, we welcome you to visit our dental care centre. Our goal is not to lecture but to educate and inform. We want to help you achieve optimal dental health and will provide you with the resources to do so. If you have difficulty with your at-home care, we can recommend products to suit your individual needs. Contact us today to book a consultation or your bi-annual check-up. We look forward to serving you and your whole family!