The truth is, many Canadians do not floss their teeth everyday. Some unfortunately only floss right before their dental appointment! They think they can trick their dentist by flossing right before their appointment. The truth is – your dentist can tell!
How can your dentist tell you aren’t flossing? The first sign is if your gums are bleeding during your checkup. Although there can be other reasons, the main cause tends to be due to gingivitis. This is when the gums become inflamed because of the bacteria in your mouth that collects between your gums and teeth.
The problem is that it takes at least a week of flossing to make a difference with gingivitis. If plaque is present for just two days, it can initiate gingival bleeding.
So even if you brush your teeth really well before your dental checkup, your gums will tell the true story! If they shows signs of inflammation or bleed during your cleaning – this will tell your dentist about your true flossing habits. Since it takes a week of diligent cleaning twice a day to make a difference, you should commit all year round!
Keep Flossing!
– Dr. Richard Gao