One of the most important ways you can help your smile is by flossing daily. According to Dr. Stanley Sun and Dr. Stella Chan of Cupertino Dental Health in Cupertino, CA, flossing should be a priority in your dental care routine. 

Why Is Flossing So Important?

Most people understand that you must brush your teeth daily. Brushing not only cleans the teeth but also has a huge impact on your breath. Even people who are not overly concerned with their dental health don't want to go around with bad breath and visibly dirty teeth. Flossing, however, often gets overlooked. 

Flossing is a crucial part of dental health. Flossing will get down below the gum line to remove plaque that harbors bacteria. This bacteria can have a huge negative effect on your gum health.

Tooth decay often starts in between the teeth. Brushing alone won't remove the food particles or bacteria that are stuck in between teeth. The only thing that will solve this problem is flossing. 

What Happens If I Don't Floss?

When flossing is ignored, it can have a lot of negative effects on your dental health. When food or bacteria gets stuck beneath the gum line, they can quickly cause inflammation. This inflammation can then turn into gingivitis. Gingivitis is a gum disease that requires treatment. If left untreated, it can have damaging effects on your teeth, gums, and even the bone structure of your mouth. 

Flossing can also help with halitosis or bad breath. When bacteria is trapped between teeth or beneath the gumline it will create an odor. Using mouthwash or gum only covers up the odor. To truly eliminate odor, you need to eliminate what is causing it. Flossing can help you accomplish this. 

If you would like to learn more about dental health, please contact Dr. Stanley Sun and Dr. Stella Chan of Cupertino Dental Health in Cupertino, CA, by calling (408) 257-5150.