26 Aug Why Should I Floss My Teeth?
At the end of a long day, flossing may be the last thing you want to do. But let’s face it: brushing your pearly whites and heading straight to bed without flossing can actually cause problems for your oral health.
Simply brushing your teeth isn’t enough to remove plaque and prevent cavities. On the other hand, flossing can clean between the teeth and remove plaque from places where a toothbrush can’t reach.
The Truth About Brushing
Our teeth have five surfaces, but brushing can only reach three of them. The two unreachable surfaces are very close to other teeth, making them difficult to clean with a toothbrush. When food gets stuck in the gaps between the teeth, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria and promote plaque creation. Unlike a toothbrush, floss can get into these hard-to-reach places and remove up to 80% of plaque from the area.
Here are all the other reasons why you should never skip flossing.
Protect Your Gums
Without flossing, plaque and bacteria can easily build up around your teeth and in the gums. The bacteria and plaque can irritate gums and, over time, lead to Gingivitis – a periodontal disease that makes your gums red, puffy, and prone to bleeding. Flossing can help remove plaque and bacteria and help you avoid problems like:
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Tooth and bone loss
Prevent Tooth Decay
In addition to taking care of your gums, flossing can also help protect your teeth. When left unattended, the bacteria in between your teeth can begin to destroy the tooth’s enamel, leading to decay and cavities. Flossing helps remove plaque and prevents the bacteria from building up in between your teeth. As an additional bonus, flossing can make your teeth look brighter by removing any stuck food particles.
Freshen Up Your Breath
Bad breath can put a damper on your self-esteem and make it harder to interact with others. Flossing can help remove stuck food particles from your teeth and help improve the freshness of your breath. Overall good dental hygiene is essential for maintaining good breath, and flossing is a crucial part of your dental care.
Reduce Chances of Heart Disease
Last but not least, a lack of flossing can affect your overall health. It may come as a shock, but skipping flossing could increase your chances of developing heart disease. In fact, research suggests that gum disease makes your chances of developing heart disease go up by a whopping 20%. One theory suggests that gum disease promotes the narrowing of arteries, which leads to heart disease. So when you begin to look at flossing as a potentially life-saving practice, it’s easy to see why making it a part of your nightly routine is a must.
Koch Aesthetic Dentistry in Birmingham, Alabama, Helps Your Teeth Thrive!
Flossing is an essential part of oral health, but it’s best to come in for a routine dental exam to ensure you are not missing any cavities or minor decay formation. Please contact us today to schedule your check-up and get all your dental health questions answered.