You’ve heard it from your parents and your dentist, but do you really know and understand the benefits of flossing your teeth? Regular flossing removes and prevents plaque build-up, which can lead to tartar. Simply put, flossing is great for maintaining your oral health. Below, we list some of the ways that flossing can be beneficial for you and why you should start incorporating it into your daily routine.
Prevents Gum Disease
Plaque is not only unsightly but with unregular flossing and brushing, its presence can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums. When plaque builds up in your mouth, it begins to eat away at your gums and causes periodontal disease. Untreated, periodontal diseases will develop into the more aggressive periodontitis, which can result in extreme tooth decay and root canal issues.
Flossing and Your Physical Health
Daily flossing is not only good for maintaining a great smile but can also contribute to your physical health. Many studies have linked periodontal diseases to heart disease. In addition, researchers have found that oral infections can increase the inflammatory substances in the blood, which can result in blood clots and decrease the blood flow to the heart.
Flossing Gives You An Opportunity to Examine Your Mouth
Redness and swelling will be much more obvious to you when you floss. When you floss, you get a closer look at our teeth, tongue, and gums, which makes it easier for you to notice any issues that may be forming that you cannot see or feel when you brush.
Prevents Bad Breath
Bad breath is a sign of oral issues. Food debris can become trapped between your teeth and gums, which causes odour. To prevent this from happening, regular flossing can help remove any food particles that your toothbrush did not reach, keeping your breath fresh and pleasant.
Dental Conditions and Flossing
There are many products on the market that can make flossing easier for all ages, and a variety of dental health conditions. If you have:
Sensitive gums – Consider looking for floss that is softer that glides easily between your teeth.
Trouble handling floss – you should try an electric flosser.
Braces – If you wear braces, there are specialized flosses on the market that have ends to allow you to thread below the main wire of your braces.
For your oral health care needs, come see one of our oral specialists at South Georgetown Dental. We aim to teach all of our clients effective oral healthcare routines. If you are interested in getting an in-depth examination of your oral health, to determine the best treatment or what you can do to improve it, contact us today!