You might feel confident about your oral hygiene because you diligently brush your teeth at least twice a day, but did you know you could be neglecting a crucial step? Harmful germs can grow in between our teeth as well as beneath our gums, and can result in damage, decay, or disease if left untreated.
You can avoid all this by incorporating a simple task into your usual dental routine! Flossing removes particles that gather around your teeth and gums and is an imperative part of preventative care. Read on to learn more about the benefits of flossing each and every day!
Reduce Plaque
Plaque is a sticky substance made of leftover food that mixes with saliva and forms a film on our teeth or gums. If left alone, it can eventually harden into tartar that can only be removed professionally by your dentist. Not only that, but the bacteria in plaque could also lead to gum disease! Flossing daily removes this harmful material so it doesn’t have a chance to grow. For even cleaner teeth, you might consider flossing after each meal!
Stops Bleeding
If you tend to floss only occasionally, like when you have something stuck between your teeth, you might have noticed slight bleeding in your gums. This is because the body sends red blood cells to the area to fight infection if plaque develops beneath the gum line. Your body has less need for protective measures when you regularly clear this debris. Over time you will probably notice that the bleeding stops altogether, but if it continues or worsens, please be sure to make an appointment.
Healthy Body
Did you know that flossing contributes not only to oral hygiene, but also to your overall bodily well-being? There are certain major health concerns that have been tied to gum disease, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Why risk leaving yourself susceptible to such serious conditions? Improve your general health and decrease your vulnerability by flossing more frequently.
Strengthen Teeth
Cavities are permanent holes that form when acidic foods or bacteria erode the hard enamel of your teeth. If you’ve experienced this firsthand, you know how painful it can be! Not only that, but the deterioration can spread to nearby teeth and cause further damage.
Flossing, however, removes food particles from all sides of your teeth and gums so that harmful germs are less likely to take hold and spread. Each time you do this, you increase your chances of avoiding unnecessary pain and additional corrective procedures!
Although it might seem faster or more convenient to skip this step, studies have found that flossing led to significant improvements over just brushing alone. Next time you find yourself in a hurry in the morning and are tempted to simply brush your teeth and move on, remember that it’s more than worth it to take a few minutes to floss. Your entire body will thank you!
About the Author
Distinctive Dentistry has been providing general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry for more than 30 years! Drs. Bobby Shirley, Clay Cannon, and Jack Bickford use cutting-edge knowledge and techniques to treat patients with comfortable and effective care. If you would like to schedule a check-up, you are welcome to make an appointment on the website, or by calling (770) 445-6606.
