4 Things You Didn't Know About Flossing

Everyone knows that it's important to brush daily, but not everyone prioritizes the need to floss just as often (if not more). Here are four things you may not have known about flossing that will help encourage you to make it more of a habit. Flossing more increases the chance of a good report at your next Alexandria family dentistry appointment with Dr. Paul Gibberman.

1. Lack of Flossing is a Major Cause of Gum Disease
Some patients who are diagnosed with gum disease are often surprised at this diagnosis because they believe that they take very good care of their teeth. After some probing from the dentist, it's discovered that they don't practice flossing as much as they should. Flossing regularly helps prevent gum disease because it removes the stubborn food particles that lay between the teeth and near the gums.

2. Flossing Stimulates Your Gums & Saliva Production
When you floss, you're forced to keep your mouth open for an extended period of time. That stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, which helps clean the teeth and loosen particles. Saliva is a natural protection against the plaque and bad bacteria that cause dental problems. Also, at your next appointment at the Alexandria family dentistry of Gibberman Dental ask about the potential benefits of gently stimulating your gums with floss.

3. You Really Should Floss After Meals
Most people who floss consistently do so right before going to bed (which is good), but many don't know that it's an even better idea to floss your teeth after every meal. Every time you eat, food particles are left in the mouth that should ideally be removed immediately before they can attract or feed bacteria.

4. Flossing Can Help Freshen Your Breath
Bad breath is often caused by bacterium that grows in the crevices of your mouth. When the bacteria are allowed to stay there and flourish, the bad odor grows with it. So if you have a problem with persistent bad breath, flossing may be the simple solution.

Get a Dental Cleaning
After brushing and flossing regularly, the next best thing is to get your teeth cleaned professionally by a dentist. Dr. Gibberman’s Alexandria family dentistry is committed to helping patients “feel good about their smiles.” Visit http://www.gibbermandental.com to make an appointment request or call the office directly at (703) 823-6616.

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