Why You Should Never Skip The Floss

We all know the benefits of brushing your teeth daily, but you may not know that flossing is just as important as brushing. Many people find flossing to be a chore because it takes a little longer, it may be painful, and it’s difficult to reach the molars in the back.

Here at Lockett Orthodontics, we know how important it is to floss daily, especially during orthodontic treatment. Your toothbrush can’t reach the spaces between the teeth where food debris and plaque may accumulate. This is where floss comes in!

Consequences Of Choosing Not To Floss

Below are a few of the things that could happen to your dental health is you decide to skip the floss:

• Yellowing Teeth – Leaving debris and plaque to buildup between the teeth will eventually begin to yellow them. Removing these harmful substances regularly is a great way to keep your teeth looking bright and white.
• Halitosis – The plaque and food debris stuck between the teeth will eventually begin to give off an odor. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, it may be time to start flossing regularly.
• Plaque & Tartar Buildup – Plaque buildup is harmful, but can be brushed and flossed away. However, if plaque is allowed to accumulate for a longer amount of time, it will harden and solidify into tartar. Unfortunately tartar can only be removed by a dental professional.
• Cavities – Lastly, cavities in between the teeth are becoming more and more common. This is because those who don’t floss are allowing the plaque to eat holes into the vulnerable enamel in between the teeth. By flossing, you can decrease your risk of dental cavities and tooth decay between the teeth.

In light of all the scary consequences of choosing not to floss, we think that it’s worth spending the extra time and effort flossing your teeth each day. For more tips on how to floss your teeth during your orthodontic treatment, or to make an appointment, please contact Lockett Orthodontics. Our orthodontic office is located in Colorado Springs, CO.