Dental Articles - London

Welcome to the Just Dentistry blog! Here in London, our dedicated team, led by Dr. Zofia & Dr. Irena Szczesny, is passionate about empowering patients with the knowledge to achieve a truly healthy smile. We all know brushing twice a day is essential, but what about the 35% of your tooth surfaces that your toothbrush can't reach? That's where dental flossing comes in.

Far from being an optional extra, flossing is a non-negotiable part of a complete oral hygiene routine. It's your primary defense against the hidden threats that lead to cavities, gum disease, and more. Let's explore the seven critical benefits of making flossing a daily habit.

1. Win the War on Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When it's not removed, it hardens into tartar (or calculus), a crusty deposit that can only be removed by a dental professional. While your toothbrush does a great job on the front and back surfaces, it can't get into the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gumline.

Why it matters: Flossing is the only tool designed to physically scrape plaque from these hard-to-reach areas. By flossing daily, you disrupt plaque colonies before they can mineralize into tartar, significantly reducing your risk for tooth decay and gum problems.

2. Prevent and Reverse Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It starts as gingivitis, inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Symptoms include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe infection that destroys the bone supporting your teeth.

The stats: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 47.2% of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease. Daily flossing is one of the most effective ways to combat this statistic by removing the plaque that causes inflammation.

3. Stop Cavities Before They Start

Cavities don't just form on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. The spaces between your teeth are a prime location for decay to begin. When food particles, especially sugars and carbohydrates, get trapped there, the bacteria in plaque feed on them and produce acid. This acid attacks your tooth enamel, creating a cavity.

Insights: "We often see cavities forming right where two teeth touch. These are areas that only floss can effectively clean. A few minutes of flossing each day is a powerful investment in preventing the need for fillings down the road."

4. Achieve Genuinely Fresh Breath

Struggling with bad breath (halitosis) even after brushing? The culprit is often decaying food particles and bacteria trapped between your teeth. As these particles break down, they release volatile sulfur compounds, which cause unpleasant odors.

The solution: Mouthwash can temporarily mask the smell, but flossing removes the source. By clearing out this hidden debris, you eliminate a major cause of bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling and smelling fresher for longer.

5. Protect Your Overall Health

Your oral health is a window to your overall health. The bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease don't always stay in your mouth. They can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, potentially contributing to serious systemic health issues.

The connection: Research has linked poor oral health to an increased risk of:

• Cardiovascular Disease: Inflammation from gum disease can contribute to clogged arteries and strokes.
• Diabetes: Severe gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels.
• Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, causing conditions like pneumonia.

At Just Dentistry, we see oral care as a crucial part of your total wellness plan.

6. Get More Value from Your Dental Visits

Regular flossing makes your professional cleanings easier, faster, and more comfortable. When our hygienists don't have to spend a long time scraping away heavy tartar buildup, they can focus more on fine-tuning your oral health, polishing your teeth, and providing personalized advice. It makes for a much more pleasant experience for you!

7. Save Money in the Long Run

Preventive care is always more affordable than restorative treatment. A container of dental floss costs just a few dollars, while treatments for cavities, gum disease, root canals, or tooth extractions can cost hundreds or even thousands.

The investment: Taking two minutes each day to floss is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make in your health. You're not just saving your teeth; you're saving yourself from future dental bills and time in the treatment chair.

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Ready to Perfect Your Smile in London?

The benefits are clear. Incorporating dental flossing into your daily routine is a simple, powerful step toward a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. If you have questions about the right flossing technique or want to schedule your next check-up, Dr. Zofia & Dr. Irena Szczesny and the team at Just Dentistry are here to help.

Take control of your oral health today! Call us at 519-471-0984 or book your appointment online.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Flossing

How often should I floss my teeth?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once per day. This daily habit is crucial for removing plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can't reach, preventing decay and gum disease.

Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I first start flossing?

A small amount of bleeding can be normal when you first begin a flossing routine, especially if you have mild gum inflammation (gingivitis). This happens because you're cleaning areas that were previously neglected. The bleeding should stop within a week or two of consistent, gentle flossing. If it persists, please schedule an appointment with us at Just Dentistry, as it could indicate a more serious issue.

Does it matter if I floss before or after brushing?

While the most important thing is that you do both, some studies suggest that flossing before brushing may be slightly more effective. Flossing first loosens plaque and food debris from between your teeth, allowing your toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to better clean those freshly exposed surfaces. Either way, consistency is key!

Are water flossers as effective as traditional string floss?

Water flossers are an excellent tool for cleaning between teeth and are especially helpful for people with braces, bridges, or dental implants. They are great at removing larger food particles and stimulating the gums. However, traditional string floss is generally considered more effective at scraping sticky plaque directly off the tooth surface. For optimal health, many dentists, including Dr. Zofia & Dr. Irena Szczesny, recommend using both or choosing the method you will use most consistently.

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