11104 S. Natoma Ave.

Worth, IL 60482

(708) 448-0333

Don't Neglect Your Flossing

Don't Neglect Your Flossing

Most people are aware that they should brush their teeth twice a day. However, did you know that brushing is only one-half of the daily flossingoral hygiene routine recommended by the American Dental Association? Find out what steps you should take to achieve the perfect daily oral care routine for you and what makes that routine so important to your dental health with All Smiles in Worth, IL.

What does flossing do for my teeth? 
While brushing does the brunt of the work on the outer portions of the teeth and oral tissues, flossing reaches beyond where your toothbrush’s bristles can go. Flossing reaches the areas between the teeth and underneath the gum line, pulling bacteria, food particles and plaque out of these often-overlooked places. If left to build up, these elements harden from plaque into tartar, forming cavities and causing gum disease like gingivitis.

How does flossing prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
Gum disease and tooth decay begin as bacteria on the teeth. The bacteria, if allowed to remain on the teeth, hardens into plaque, a sticky white substance. Plaque, in turn, hardens into tartar, which then begins eating through the teeth’s enamel and dentin layers, eventually reaching the tooth’s inner pulp chamber which houses the tooth’s tissue, blood vessels and nerve. While tartar can only be removed during a professional cleaning at your dentist’s office, plaque and bacteria come off of the teeth easily with regular flossing. By removing these substances, you are fighting tooth decay at its root cause and preventing it in its earliest stages.

Maintaining Your Oral Health in Worth, IL
While brushing and flossing make up a daily routine which is crucial to your oral health, seeing your dentist for regular examinations and cleanings is just as important. Patients should see their dentist every six months. These appointments allow you to have your teeth professionally cleaned and polished to ensure a decay-free smile. They also provide your dentist the opportunity to find problems within your smile early, while they are still easily treatable.

For more information on flossing or routine dental examinations and cleanings, please contact your dentists at All Smiles in Worth, IL. Call (708) 448-0333 today to schedule your appointment for an examination!