Family Dentist in Rochelle Explains How Flossing Prevents Tartar

Flossing is a small thing for many people and they conveniently ignore it most of the time, says dentist near 61068. People wonder if flossing makes much of a difference in oral health. They are not really convinced if flossing can prevent the build-up of tartar on the teeth.

What is Tartar?

Plaque is a sticky white substance that is made up of bacteria, food particles, and proteins in your mouth. According to the dentist in Rochelle, the plaque accumulates around the gum line and in between teeth where it is difficult to reach. Within hours, the plaque can begin to calcify or harden and become tartar, which is rough, porous, and white.

How Does Tartar Affect Your Oral Health?

Tartar allows the bacteria to have constant access to your gums and teeth. These bacteria produce acids, which erode the tooth’s enamel causing decay. It begins as a small white spot but can develop into a dark decay penetrating deep inside the tooth. The acids irritate the gums causing gum disease. If ignored, tartar can damage teeth, gums, bone, and lead to tooth loss.

How Can Flossing Help in Preventing Tartar?

Your toothbrush can’t reach the surface between your teeth, which means plaque can easily build up in these nooks and cause all sorts of dental issues. Flossing will help in getting rid of the plaque before it hardens and impacts your teeth and gums says the dentist in Rochelle IL.

What is the Right Way to Floss?

• The dentist in Rochelle says that you need to take a string that is 18 inches in length and warp most of one end around the middle finger and wrap the remaining string around other middle fingers. This should leave 3-4 inches between your middle fingers.
• Hold the floss tightly with the thumb and forefinger of each hand.
• Glide the floss between your teeth using gentle motion.
• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth and slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.