The truth is that flossing is important. A relatively quick, cheap, and effective procedure, flossing can protect not just your long term oral health, but can also potentially save you time and money at the dentist. A regular and diligent oral hygiene routine is your best defense against tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Flossing could spare you need for costly and time-consuming advanced dentistry procedures. Fox Lake, IL dentist Dr.Thomas Prendergast reminds his patients that a floss a day keeps root canals at bay!
Why You Should Floss
The Excuse: I get my teeth cleaned twice a year at your Fox Lake, IL dentist office. I do not need to floss!
Dr. Prendergast’s Answer: While we are thrilled to hear that you keep up on your regular dental check ups, we still encourage you to floss daily. Biannual dental cleanings and oral health exams are an essential part of maintaining oral health. This noted, your teeth are susceptible to hardening plaque into damaging tartar within 48 hours. So, unless you come in every day, flossing is still a good idea. Flossing removes plaque buildup that grows in the small crevices and gaps in your smile.
The Excuse: When I floss my gums bleed.
Dr. Prendergast’s Answer: Bleeding gums are not normal and are a sign that you are flossing too hard or you have gum disease. Either way, you should contact our dentist office to help address the cause of the concern. Our Infinity dental care team can help you learn to how to perfect your flossing technique so that flossing never causes bleeding gums. In the event that you are experiencing some stage of gum disease, Dr. Prendergast provides comprehensive periodontal therapy to help prevent further oral health deterioration.
The Excuse: I do not have time to floss with my busy schedule.
Dr. Prendergast’s Answer: Do you have time to make coffee or check your social media account? Do you want to spend your spare time sitting in the dentist chair for a root canal? Well, then you have time to floss. Taking a minute or two a day to floss can spare you a day in the dentist chair.
Schedule An Appointment
Remember, your oral health impacts your overall health and the quality of life. Flossing is a key piece of full and effective oral hygiene plan. Contact our Fox Lake dentist office to schedule an appointment and get back to enjoying a healthy, beautiful smile.