Flossing

Dental flossing teeth with dental floss can tremendously improve your dental care.

How long does it take for flossing to start paying off?

The fact is, flossing teeth provides unmistakable benefits that start from day one. After flossing teeth, your teeth and gums feel cleaner because the floss reaches areas your toothbrush can't. Your breath will be fresher, and the health of your gums will improve.

If you're not used to flossing teeth, it can seem hard to do at first. But it's the same as taking up a new form of exercise-like learning to ride a bicycle: it just takes a bit of practice. Pretty soon, you'll feel the difference and find that it becomes part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth.

I've heard that flossing can make gums bleed; should I stop if this happens?

No. Don't worry about your gums bleeding at first - this is quite common. It may be a sign that you have some form of gum disease. After a few days of flossing, the bleeding should stop as your gums become healthier. If bleeding persists, consult your dentist.

I've never cleaned in between my teeth before; is it too late to start?

Absolutely not. Whatever your age, interdental cleaning provides major benefits to your teeth and gums that you'll notice right away - so the sooner you start, the better. Interdental cleaning makes your teeth and gums feel clean because it reaches areas a toothbrush can't reach. It also keeps your breath fresh and, more importantly, it can stop gum disease in its tracks.

Isn't tooth loss a natural part of growing old?

Gum disease and tooth loss are not an inevitable part of the aging process. The fact is, you can have control over your dental destiny. If you brush and floss every day and see your dentist regularly, you will improve your chances of maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout your life.

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