Don’t Forget to Floss! Here’s Why You Should Do It Daily
Flossing is a necessary part of daily dental care. Whether you do it before or after brushing your teeth, it’s critical to your oral health. Many people tend to skip flossing. However, here are a few reasons to make it part of your regular routine.
Flossing Cleans Below the Gum Line
No matter how good your toothbrush is, the bristles simply cannot penetrate below the gums. This allows for food particles and bacteria to gather. If you aren’t flossing, you won’t be removing the bacteria that ultimately will multiply and travel further down the tooth, leading to infection or gingivitis.
Flossing Removes Plaque Between Teeth
Once again, bristles from your toothbrush can only clean so much. By flossing between teeth, you remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas that can ultimately lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Flossing Prevents Gum Disease
The plaque on your teeth, if left untreated, can lead to gum disease. Since the bacteria found in the plaque can cause an inflammatory response in your gums, when you do not floss over time, you might start to see symptoms of:
- A receding gumline
- Bleeding gums
- Loss of teeth
- Loss of bone
Flossing Reduces Heart Disease
Did you know gum disease plays a part in the development of heart disease? Research has indicated poor oral health and lack of flossing can lead to periodontal disease that worsens blood pressure and has adverse cardiovascular effects. By flossing regularly, you’re helping keep your heart healthy.
Flossing Freshens Your Breath
When you floss, you remove not only bacteria but trapped pieces of food that, left untreated, can begin to decay in your mouth and lead to bad breath. Flossing removes these items, thereby helping your breath stay fresh.
Despite what you may think, flossing is anything but inconvenient. In fact, there are many helpful flossing accessories on the market to help make flossing more manageable than ever – even when you have dental equipment such as wires, braces, or bridges! At the end of the day, a smile can last a lifetime, so long as you take time to prioritize your oral health.
If you have questions about how to add flossing to your oral routine, or how to make flossing seem like less work, give us a call.