I don’t have any cavities, and I don’t get food caught between my teeth. Why should I floss?
New generations have not experienced the same dental problems as their parents and think that brushing is all that is needed to maintain a healthy mouth. Research experts say “these people may be at the highest risk for tooth loss 10 or 20 years from now” – not from poor teeth but from poor gum tissue health (Dr. Ruth Freeman, Partners in Prevention 2003).
Although many people believe the purpose of flossing is to remove food from between the teeth it is primarily to remove plaque. When thousands of bacteria in plaque are left undisturbed it leads to gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease). Gingivitis is nearly a universal finding among children and 75% of the adult population has gum disease to some degree (Academy or Periodontology).
It can take less than 5 minutes twice a day to brush and floss and it is never too early or too late to learn good habits. Your dental hygienist can assist you in developing new habits and monitor your progress at your dental hygiene recall appointment.
