It’s already a given that brushing and flossing your teeth are important when it comes to exhibiting proper dental hygiene. However, some may find it tedious to do these tasks regularly. We all have those times when you spend long nights out and the first thing on your mind is to just head straight to bed and skip cleaning your teeth.
As tempting as it is to just immediately dive into your comfy bed as soon as you get home, you mustn’t neglect your oral health. Doing so can lead to various dental issues in the long run.
If you want to learn more about the importance of brushing and flossing in Brooklyn, as well as the advantages of combining these two together when cleaning your teeth, then continue reading ahead!
Why Brushing and Flossing Go Together
“But why do we have to do both, can’t I just focus on one?”
While many of us already brush our teeth on a regular basis, we tend to skip out on flossing our teeth after.
The act of flossing your teeth goes beyond just getting the annoying food particles stuck between your teeth because it’s just as important as toothbrushing.
Brushing cleans the surface area of your teeth. Flossing eliminates any plaque buildup that’s hidden between the crevices of your teeth. This is why it’s important to utilize both techniques when it comes to taking good care of your teeth and gums.
In fact, cleaning your teeth becomes more effective when you incorporate flossing into your routine.
Why don’t we take a look at some benefits of brushing and flossing your teeth?
#1 – Less Prone to Gum Disease
When you brush and floss your teeth two times a day (once in the morning and the following at night) then it decreases your chance of experiencing any type of discomfort or pain in your teeth, as well as gum disease and infections.
Speaking of gum disease, the inflammation of gums, also known as gingivitis, stems from poor cleaning habits such as the lack of flossing. Even if you brush your teeth properly, you can still be at risk of getting gingivitis because of the possible bacteria left behind that your standard toothbrush couldn’t reach.
We know that brushing and flossing your teeth takes time, but it will all be worth it in the long run as it prevents any possible dental issues that can come up if you neglect your oral hygiene.
#2 – Gets Rid of Plaque Buildup
Plaque or tartar is that dirty residue found on the surface of your teeth. If left untreated, this can manifest gingivitis and other serious dental issues. By brushing and flossing your teeth properly, you’re able to completely eliminate traces of plaque and keep your teeth clean and healthy.
The plaque buildup is also responsible for giving you really bad breath so it’s really best to get rid of them as soon as possible. There can also be traces of plaque in between your teeth which is where flossing comes into play.
Cleaning your teeth the correct way on a regular basis also prevents you from having tartar buildup in the long run. Don’t wait before it’s too late or when there’s already buildup happening because prevention is always better than cure.
#3 – Lowers Risk of Cavities and Tooth Decay
Brushing and flossing your teeth properly actually decreases your chance of acquiring cavities and tooth decay. As mentioned previously, plaque buildup will start to manifest when your teeth aren’t cleaned properly. Everything is basically connected with each other, the less frequently you brush and floss your teeth, the more bacteria end up dwelling inside your mouth.
By neglecting proper dental hygiene, you’ll be prone to getting cavities and tooth decay. You will be experiencing some sort of pain and discomfort the moment cavities start to form. It’s also important to schedule biannual consultations with your dentist so they can further examine your teeth situation.
#4 – Increase in Self-Confidence
Who doesn’t love a good smile? When we take good care of our teeth, we definitely want to show them off, right? By brushing and flossing your teeth habitually, you can expect yourself to feel more confident as you no longer have to feel insecure about your pearly whites.
Cleaning your teeth regularly means there are less bacteria inhabiting your mouth, keeping them healthy and maintaining fresh breath. You no longer have to overthink whether or not other people think your breath stinks. You’re inclined to talk more and flashing your sparkly smile can also lift your mood.
If you’re feeling insecure about your teeth, then this is a sign for you to start taking better care of them so that you, too, can brighten other people’s day with your smile.
#5 – Fewer Trips to the Dentist
When you take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing them properly, naturally you’re going to spend lesser days at the dentist since you’re less likely to have any serious dental issues.
Experts recommend visiting your orthodontist in Brooklyn at least twice a year or every six months. If you have poor dental hygiene then you may be subjected to see your dentist more than that so they can examine your current situation and offer you the appropriate treatment to bring your teeth onto a better state.
This also means that you’ll have to end up spending more because of the recommended treatments, it can get costly way too fast. So consider spending extra time brushing and flossing your teeth to keep them in good condition, those additional minutes are going to save you more dollars in the end.
Conclusion
Now that you know how brushing and flossing can be extremely beneficial to your teeth and gums, it’s time to make that change and create new and better cleaning habits for better dental hygiene.
For other dental concerns, look for Dr. Scantlebury of Scantlebury Orthodontics. He is a friendly and reliable cosmetic dentist who is happy to assist you in resolving your dental issues by providing you an effective and personalized treatment plan.
Contact us or visit our office today!