Got Plaque? Start Flossing!

Plaque is never a welcome word when it comes to your health. Plaque is a thick, sticky film that can develop throughout the body, including the arteries and your teeth. When it accumulates or thickens in certain areas, it can cause notable harm to your health and disrupt your body’s ability to function properly. In terms of your mouth, plaque is the primary culprit for the most common and detrimental dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Plaque develops as a result of bacteria and sugars in your mouth, which is nearly inevitable. Everyone has plaque; however, it is what you do with it that makes a difference in your oral health. Plaque is a thin coating that is easily removable if you clean it in a timely manner. Unfortunately, if you leave plaque alone, it begins to harden and only a dental professional can remove this stubborn substance.

If you’ve ever run your tongue over your teeth at the end of the day and felt a “fuzzy” film on your pearly whites, you are essentially feeling plaque. Your toothbrush does an excellent job of removing plaque on the visible surfaces of your teeth. But what about the areas in between your teeth? As much as 35% of your tooth’s surface is unreachable to the bristles of your toothbrush. This is where flossing becomes critical.

Flossing can be one of your most powerful weapons in fighting plaque. Sadly, it is also one of the most neglected dental hygiene tools. Dental floss is designed to easily glide in and out of the tight spaces between your teeth and into the gum line. Flossing can protect you from gum disease, cavities and bad breath – so why not take the extra few minutes to pull out that thread?

For more tips on how flossing can benefit your smile and your overall wellness, please call the office of Dr. Mitzi Morris. We love helping patients achieve optimal oral health at all stages of life!