Reasons Why Dental Flossing Can Save Your Teeth
Are you dental flossing your teeth regularly? If not, maybe it’s time to start!
More than removing bits of food stuck between your teeth, flossing can make a big difference to your oral health.
Read on to discover the key reasons why dental flossing can save your teeth.
1. Reduce the Risk of Cavities and Tooth Loss
Hundreds of bacteria species live in your mouth. Some of these shelter between your teeth, where they feed on leftover food particles. They produce acids that over time can cause cavities and lead to tooth loss.
While brushing your teeth twice a day helps reduce harmful bacteria and plaque, it doesn’t remove the cavity-causing bacteria between the teeth.
Interdental plaque can account for more than one-third of all plaque. Dental flossing is a simple interdental cleaning method that can help you remove a lot of the plaque and bacteria that otherwise would silently undermine your teeth and gum line.
2. Prevent Gum Disease
The same bacteria that cause cavities can also cause gingivitis and other gum diseases. Gum disease often starts with negligible bleeding and other subtle symptoms. But it can lead to tooth loss and other discomforts.
When you floss your teeth, you reduce the amount of plaque in your mouth. With that, you also reduce the risk of developing gum disease.
More than affecting your teeth, gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular problems and Alzheimer’s disease. By preventing it, you keep not only your mouth and teeth healthy but your entire body.
3. Prevent Bad Breath
Flossing helps remove leftover bits of food between your teeth. It can also help you reduce plaque, a bacterial film that builds up over time on and in between teeth.
Plaque and oral bacteria that feed on food particles in the mouth produce acids that cause not only cavities but also bad breath.
Bad breath can be a sign that your dental health is less than ideal. It can also signal periodontal gum disease.
4. Brighten Your Smile
Plaque that builds up between the teeth can form over time tartar.
Tartar is a yellow deposit on the surface of the teeth and along the gum line that isn’t only bad for your teeth but can also make you self-conscious about your smile.
Flossing every day helps prevent the development of tartar and contributes to a healthier, more beautiful smile.
5. Save Money
Flossing your teeth every day takes time, it’s true. But think of those minutes as a great investment in your oral health.
Flossing regularly, alongside daily brushing, can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
Keep this in mind each time you’re tempted to skip the flossing. Yes, it requires a bit of work and isn’t the most fun thing you can do. And unlike brushing, you don’t get that fizzy, clean mouth feel after, either.
But your teeth and gums will be grateful by staying healthy for years to come.
When and How Often Should You Floss?
Floss your teeth every day to keep them healthy. But if you find that a chore, floss at least three times a week. It’s better than not flossing at all.
What about the best time for dental flossing your teeth? Should you floss before or after brushing?
Flossing before brushing can help remove plaque between the teeth better, a 2018 study found.
Flossing at night before going to bed can help remove leftover food particles from your mouth before bacteria can feed on them overnight. But if you have more time in the morning, you can floss first thing after waking, too.
In the end, the best time to floss is when you can do it the most thoroughly. Give yourself at least 2 to 3 minutes to floss properly. Do it with care, avoiding injuring your gums.
Dental Flossing Mississauga
The bottom line is simple. If you don’t floss, start doing it today. It’s one of the best things you can do for your oral health.
Prevention is key in oral health. Schedule your dental check-up with us at Karen Dental, your dentist in Mississauga.