In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, you need to floss. Flossing once daily cleans in between teeth and gums where your toothbrush cannot reach. Here, the family dentistry team at Kemper Pond Dental in Cincinnati, OH explains why flossing is one of the keys to long-lasting dental health.

Helps Prevent Cavities

Flossing every day using the correct form helps prevent tooth decay, as it removes food particles lodged in between the teeth and gums. Mouth bacteria feed on food particles—especially sugary and starchy particles—to form plaque, a sticky, colorless film. Plaque produces decay-causing acids that affect the outer layers of teeth to create cavities. Flossing along with brushing prevents plaque from multiplying and hardening into tartar, or calculus. Only your dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.

Lowers Gum Disease Risk

Tartar forms along and below the gumline, causing inflammation, redness, and sensitivity. These symptoms are known as gingivitis, the precursor to gum disease. Gingivitis is relatively easy to reverse with good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and deep cleanings by your family dentistry team. Gum disease features more serious symptoms including gum recession and abscesses, loose teeth, bleeding gums, teeth misalignments, gum pocket changes, and even bone loss. The longer it goes unchecked, the more complex the treatments are. They include gum grafting, root planing, bone grafts and surgery, and guided tissue regeneration.

Flossing is an important preventative measure contributing to a clean, healthy mouth. Ask your family dentistry team at Kemper Pond Dental for flossing tips and remember to schedule teeth cleanings every six months to remove tartar buildup. Dr. Brent Williams and his highly-trained, friendly staff provide family as well as cosmetic dentistry services, including veneers and dental implants. Call (513) 531-4069 today to schedule your next appointment or visit the website for more service information. Like the Google+ page for additional dental health tips.