When it comes to maintaining oral hygiene, most people resort to brushing twice every day. But did you know that brushing alone is not sufficient to keep your oral cavity clean? Even when brushing twice every day, you still need to floss every day before brushing.

Let’s look at why flossing should be an integral aspect of maintaining your oral health.

Why Do You Need to Floss Even When You Brush Your Teeth?

#1. Brushing Isn’t Enough

Perhaps the most integral reason you need to floss even when you brush your teeth is that brushing alone is not enough. A toothbrush can clean your chewing surface and the front and back of your teeth, but what about in between your teeth? When you eat, food gets stuck in between your teeth and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to plaque and cavities over time.

That’s where you need to floss your teeth regularly along with brushing your teeth twice every day so you can remove the food particles trapped in between your teeth, leaving your oral cavity thoroughly cleaned.

#2. Reduces the Risk of Cavities

Food stuck in between your teeth attracts the bacteria in the oral cavity, which eventually leads to cavities, which is the leading cause of tooth decay. When you floss regularly, you can get rid of food particles stuck between your teeth, which eventually reduces your risk of cavities.

#3. Protects Your Gums

When you rely on brushing alone and skip flossing, plaque and bacteria can build up on your gum line, leaving your gums prone to gum diseases such as gingivitis. However, when you regularly brush and floss your teeth, you can reduce the build-up of plaque and bacteria, which eventually protects your gums.

#4. Helps You Maintain Good Oral Health

When you floss every day, you can look forward to healthier teeth and gums. Hence, regular flossing along with brushing is one of the best ways to maintain good oral health.

You may be brushing your teeth twice a day, but that doesn't eliminate the need for flossing. Given the structure of your oral cavity, brushing alone is not sufficient as food particles can get stuck in between your teeth or near your gum line, leading to cavities or plaque formation. Hence, don't forget to brush and floss your teeth regularly and schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your oral cavity clean and healthy.

To learn more about maintaining your oral health and keeping your oral cavity clean and healthy, get in touch with Brighter Smile Dental.