Did you know that flossing your teeth daily is as important as brushing them? Flossing your teeth can do so much to make your oral hygiene even better. Let’s face it, your toothbrush cannot clean between your teeth, yet food and plaque tend to build up there.
Dental plaque, a nasty thick layer that consists of bacteria, can contribute to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Decay between your teeth (interproximal) can progress rather quickly, especially if a good flossing habit has not been established. Quickly progressing interproximal tooth decay can, in turn, lead to the need for a root canal and crown. Dr. Scott Norton is a practicing Endodontist in Louisville KY. Many of the root canals that he performs started with interproximal decay that spread to the pulp (nerve and blood supply) of the tooth.
Dr. Norton says prevention is key to healthy teeth and gums. If flossing your teeth isn’t already part of your daily routine, Dr. Norton recommends fitting it in. A few extra minutes a day can help save your teeth for a lifetime.