Just how important is Flossing?

When you go in for your routine cleaning and your Dentist asks you the standard Q &A, what is your answer when asked, do you regularly floss daily? Since over 50% of adults have gingivitis to a varying degree, the importance of good dental hygiene could be the difference between a mouth full of teeth, and a mouth full of gums. Inadequate removal of dental plaque, especially in interdental areas of the mouth might be susceptible to periodontal disease. It's essential that patients remove dental plaque, and sometimes a tooth brush just can't get into the nooks and crannies of the mouth. Dental floss is designed and intended to be used for this very purpose, and removes food debris and built up plaque that would other wise be inaccessible. Studies from the ADA show floss removes up to 80% of plaque, and you can bet they recommend flossing become a part of your daily oral maintenance ritual, (along with the CDA, ADHA, CDHA, etc). When used properly, flossing can reduce the risk of gingivitis, and other gum diseases. In a recent home study from the ADA polled 2-10% of patients regularly flossed correctly on a daily basis, and most cannot, or choose not to floss at all on a daily basis. Your dental hygiene is exactly that- YOUR choice to create or improve your daily routine, if you'd like more information on flossing, or what kind of floss to use, visit http://www.saveyoursmile.com/healtharticles/flossing.html