We all know the importance of brushing your teeth at least twice a day, but we don’t talk about the importance of flossing each day nearly as much. Regular flossing, however, plays a crucial role in your overall dental hygiene. For one, when you skip flossing, plaque can easily build up along your gumline and between your teeth.
According to the American Dental Association, interdental cleaners, such as floss, play a critical role in removing debris and plaque from the areas of the mouth that a toothbrush just can’t reach. Allowing plaque and debris to build up can increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Today, Advanced Indiana will be discussing the key benefits of flossing daily. We’ll also be discussing when you should floss to get the most out of your dental hygiene efforts. With that, let’s get started!
1. Flossing Reduces the Risk of Cavities
One of the biggest benefits of flossing every day is that it reduces the risk of cavities significantly. When tooth decay sets in, this can result in a cavity. A cavity is an opening in the hard surface of your teeth, known as the enamel.
Though developing a cavity takes time, the more plaque that is left to build up on your teeth, the higher your risk of a cavity. By flossing your teeth on a daily basis (at least once per day), you can eliminate food particles and plaque, significantly reducing the chances of tooth decay. We highly recommend flossing after you eat a meal, as this makes it easier to remove food particles immediately.
2. Flossing Eliminates Plaque
Although plaque is something that’s difficult to see with the naked eye, it isn’t something you want to allow to fester on your teeth for very long. Plaque forms when the bacteria in your mouth mixes with foods or drinks containing a lot of sugar or starch. These bacteria then release acids that break down carbohydrates. Without brushing and flossing your teeth, these acids, bacteria, and carbohydrates mix together and form plaque. This can result in tooth decay and lead to painful (or at the very least, irritating) cavities.
Don’t allow plaque to build up between your teeth, and don’t fool yourself into thinking that brushing twice a day is enough. In reality, even brushing twice a day will not remove all of the plaque lurking between your teeth. Flossing is the best way to eliminate plaque before it has time to do more damage!
3. Reduces Bad Breath
Nobody likes bad breath. Still, bad breath (also known as halitosis) is a very common issue. But what if we told you that flossing is one of the best ways to reduce bad breath? That’s right, by flossing each and every day, you can eliminate the stink and enjoy fresher, cleaner breath. What’s not to love about that?
Whenever food becomes trapped between your teeth, it will slowly start to decay over time. Unless these food particles are removed as soon as possible, you will find yourself with bad breath. Further, if plaque starts to build up on or between your teeth, it will erode the enamel of your teeth and lead to gum disease and cavities – both which are known for causing less-than-pleasant-smelling breath. Get a jump on bad breath by flossing every day!
4. Prevents Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious issue, with gingivitis being the earliest stage. One of the key indicators of gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Additionally, you may be in the early stages of gum disease if your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth. When gingivitis isn’t treated, it turns into a much more serious infection known as periodontitis.
When periodontitis sets in, your gums will begin to pull away from the teeth themselves. Eventually, your teeth will lose bone support, becoming loose. In the most severe cases of periodontitis, an inflammatory response can be triggered throughout the entire body.
By brushing your teeth at least twice per day and flossing once per day, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing gum disease. We also highly recommend dental cleanings by your local dentist once every six months to keep your gums at their healthiest.
5. Improves Heart Health
Did you know that good dental hygiene has benefits that extend beyond the health of your gums and teeth? That’s right, good dental hygiene benefits various aspects of your health, including heart health! In a study completed in 2019, it was uncovered that those that took their dental hygiene seriously showed decreased risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Following a good daily hygiene routine (which flossing is a very critical part of) has the power to give you better heart health and may even extend your life. If that doesn’t explain the importance of flossing daily, we don’t know what will!
Flossing Each Day is Just the Beginning!
Now that you know the importance of flossing daily, it’s important to note that this is only the first step in practicing good oral hygiene. If you want to promote the best oral health possible, regular visits to the dentist are crucial. If you’re looking for a dentist in Anderson that will support you every step of the way, look no further than Advanced Indiana! Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you practice good dental hygiene so that you can experience all the benefits and live a happier, healthier life.
Contact us today or request an appointment online to get started!