The news that came out earlier this month suggesting that maybe there’s no need to floss caused quite a stir. Should you floss? Shouldn’t you? At Distinctive Dentistry, we think the answer is obvious — yes, of course you should continue to floss. It just makes sense.
Dental floss helps to remove the plaque, food particles, and bacteria that cause problems in your mouth. But your dentist in Dallas, GA says there are reasons to floss that don’t directly deal with your oral health. What are they? One big reason to keep flossing has to do with the effect unhealthy gums have on your overall health. Flossing prevents gum disease, which greatly reduces your risk for developing…
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- Low birthweight and premature birth
- And more conditions linked to gum disease
We are learning more about the effects flossing has on general health every year. 2015 alone saw the discovery of a link between gum disease and breast cancer and a number of other health conditions. The conclusion? By keeping your gums healthy, flossing protects your overall health and wellbeing, too.
How Flossing Benefits Your Body
When you floss, you’re removing the stuff that your toothbrush just can’t reach — no matter how hard you try. Flossing is indispensable in cleaning between the teeth. In fact, many dentists maintain that if you had to choose between brushing or flossing (thankfully you don’t), you would be better off only flossing. Want some gross proof that flossing does your mouth good? Smell your used floss the next time you’ve skipped a few days. That less-than-pleasant odor is the bacteria you’re letting build up in your mouth when you don’t complete your dental hygiene routine with dental floss every night.
Flossing Improves Your Life, Too
We’ll venture to say that by reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease, regular flossing actually improves your quality of life. Remember the thing about the smelly floss? It’s also evidence that the habit leads to fresher breath — so you won’t have to worry you’re breathing a foul odor at work or over your next happy hour.
And when your teeth are healthier, you also spend less time visiting the dentist for restorative dental care. Traditional crowns and bridges can take two to three appointments to complete, with weeks spent waiting in between. Dental implants for tooth replacement may take up to a year. Save your time by maintaining better dental health! Start by picking up the flossing habit once again.
Begin the Good Flossing Habit Today
The secret to regular flossing lies in creating a habit. Most adults would like to floss, but they simply can’t seem to remember to do it every night. If you fall into that category, check out these tips for creating good habits. Start by putting the floss somewhere you’re sure to see it after brushing, like right beside the bathroom faucet.
Do you have questions about the need for floss, or anything else related to your oral health? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Distinctive Dentistry. We are here for you! Contact us to book an appointment today.
