Your Dentist in Marysville Explains the Connection between Flossing and Bad Breath

Have you ever noticed a foul odor coming from the floss after you have just flossed your teeth? Does this mean that you have bad breath? Not necessarily. Your dentist in Marysville wants you to know that flossing is actually an important measure toward keeping the bacteria that cause bad breath in check. Read on to learn more about the connection between floss and bad breath.

Reasons Why Floss Might Smell Bad

The most common reason for foul smelling floss is gum disease. The bacteria responsible for causing gum disease hide below the gum line and produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). VSCs can emit an odor that is reminiscent of bad breath. These VSC-emitting bacteria can cling to floss, giving it a bad smell.

When flossing is not performed regularly, bacteria can accumulate under the gums. There may not be enough to initiate gum disease, but there may be enough to cause a significant odor from VSCs. Having odors on your floss is not a good thing because it may mean that bacterial activity under your gum tissues is increasing. This could eventually lead to gum disease.

How Can I Control Bad Breath?

One of the best things you can do to keep your breath smelling fresh is to floss every day. Flossing in between teeth helps to remove food particles and bacteria that can contribute to bad breath, which is also known as halitosis. Although bad breath is often joked about, it can be a dangerous sign of disease or illness. That is why it is important to see your dentist for regular exams and dental cleanings in Marysville.

What’s the Best Way to Floss My Teeth?

Flossing is not complicated and should not take more than a couple of minutes. Here are some tips on how to floss well.

1. Tear off about 18 inches of floss. This way, you will be able to use a clean section of floss in between each pair of teeth.
2. Wrap the floss around the forefingers of each hand, leaving a couple of inches in between.
3. Gently guide the floss in between two teeth. In order to make sure you floss all of your teeth, try starting behind one of your last molars and working your way around each arch.
4. Move the floss up and down and back and forth. Although you should floss below the gum line, do not exert too much pressure on tender gum tissue.

When you schedule a dental checkup in Marysville, your dentist will be glad to help you with flossing or answer any questions.

Meet the Doctor

At Allen Creek Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing all of the services our patients need to have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. Our services include preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Sleep apnea therapy, periodontal therapy and emergency dentistry are also available. Call our office today to schedule a visit.