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Is your daily oral hygiene routine doing all that it should to keep you safe from the formation of cavities and the onset of gum disease? If that routine does not include a daily flossing habit, you can be more vulnerable to problems than you realize. In the spaces where our teeth meet, bacteria and food particles can accumulate through the course of the day, and they can be difficult to fully clear away if you only use a toothbrush to clean your smile. By adding flossing to your routine, you can keep these spaces safe! Our Mansfield, TX dentist’s office can provide further support for your smile during routine dental visits, and by helping you identify and address any other shortcomings in your daily routine.

Why Flossing Should Take Place Every Day

If you are not flossing on a daily basis, it will be difficult for you to remove the bacteria and food debris that can wind up in the spaces between your teeth. Unfortunately, many people only pay attention to these spaces shortly before their next routine visit, or when something is wedged between teeth and causing them discomfort. When you ignore these areas, you are more likely to need restorative dental work because of decay, and you are also more susceptible to the formation of gingivitis.

What Makes A Flossing Routine Effective?

Flossing is something you should do on a daily basis. Does this mean that everyone who flosses once a day is completely safe from oral health trouble? The truth is that the routine needs to be done well to be as effective as possible. One big issue is the lack of vertical movement with the floss string. If you do not bring the string up and down, and go all the way to your gum line, portions of your enamel remain uncleaned. Vertical flossing will help you better protect yourself against decay that can call for treatment with dental fillings or dental crowns, and you can put up a better defense against gum disease.

Other Actions That Help You Preserve A Healthy Smile

Brushing may be less effective at reaching the spaces between teeth, but a good routine can still be vital to your overall oral health. To make the most of brushing, be sure that you take at least two minutes each day to clean every surface of every tooth, including those back teeth that are more difficult to reach. You should also remember to take advantage of the routine checkups provided by your dentist, as these provide feedback, professional cleanings, and early detection and treatment for active problems.

Our Mansfield, TX Dentist’s Office Can Help You Maintain A Healthy Smile!

At our Mansfield, TX dentist’s office, patients can count on us to provide guidance on in-office care to keep them safe against decay. To find out more, please call Mansfield Dental Associates at 817-473-6227.