Answering your dental questions

This week, I address two very commonly asked questions in the dental clinic. 

Do I really need to floss?

There’s no getting around the need to get around your teeth daily with dental floss. It clears food and plaque from between teeth and under the gum line. If you don’t floss, plaque hardens into tartar, which forms wedges and widens the space between teeth and gums, causing pockets. Over time, gums pull away and teeth loosen.

Does a rinse or mouthwash help?

Mouthwashes for cavity protection, sensitivity, and fresh breath may help when you use them with regular brushing and flossing, but not instead of daily cleaning.
Some people need twice-daily rinses for gum health or alcohol-free washes for dry mouth.
Children under 6 years old shouldn’t use mouthwash, to avoid the chance of them swallowing it.