Some people spend ten to thirty minutes to floss every day. Others, however, are not a fan of dental flossing. The good news is there are several ways to care for our teeth in between the twice-a-year dental appointments.
There are various reasons why some people are not inclined to take up flossing as part of their daily habit. For one, if we floss the wrong way, we could hurt our gum. Moreover, there has been insufficient studies to prove the effectiveness of flossing. In fact, the US health department had removed flossing from its 2016 dental recommendation list. This offered relief for a lot of people who were never into flossing in the first place.
The government said in a letter to the Associated Press that “the effectiveness of flossing had never been researched, as required.” In its report, AP pointed out that improper flossing can result in damages to gums, teeth and dental work.
However, not all teeth and gums are created equal. If you haven’t done so, go ask your dentists for their flossing insights. These days, you don’t even have to leave the house or make a phone call to set an appointment. For instance, the website of this Mesa dentist will allow locals or visitors to quickly book online.
Floss or no floss, here are five other things you can do to give yourself the best DIY dental care:
- Easy on the brushing strokes. Dentists advice against hard brushing. If you apply too much pressure when you brush your teeth, you might cause your gum to recede. Fair warning: your gum might not grow back once it starts receding. This means you hold the toothbrush lightly and manage your brush strokes carefully.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly. Using a new toothbrush after three months is generally advised. However, if your brush has grown much softer from wear and tear, feel free to bid it adieu.
- Reduce your sugar intake. Remember that sugar is a common cause of tooth decay. Oral bacteria thrive on sugar, and bacterial growth leads to more acids that damage the teeth, ultimately causing cavities.
- Let your teeth rest after drinking acidic beverages. Aside from sugar, your favorite soft drink or juice contains acid that wears away your teeth’s protective enamel, making your teeth too vulnerable for brushing. The saliva needs some time to neutralize this process by re-mineralizing the protective coating of your teeth. (Knowing this might make you think twice about grabbing a chilled can of soda after a meal.)
- Always be properly hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. Dry mouths cause plaque accumulation, which eventually leads to damaged teeth and gums. If you’re a smoker and/or a coffee drinker, make sure you drink enough water. This is not just for dental care anymore. Drinking water helps in the body’s ability to burn fat. It can increase your usual metabolic rate by 30 per cent. Follow this final tip as an act of love for your teeth and gums, as well as your entire body.
You can skip flossing, all right. But you still need to see your dentist twice a year. After all, when it comes to your health, you do what you can, but you should let the pros see you, too.