It’s easy to convince someone of the importance of brushing their teeth. After all, the results of brushing are very apparent when it comes to maintaining white teeth and a healthy looking smile.
Flossing however, is a different story. The results of daily flossing aren’t always obvious and many individuals don’t bother at all. But, cleaning in between the teeth by flossing is a vital part of oral hygiene home care.
Here are a number of important reasons why your dentist wants to make sure flossing is part of your daily routine.
Flossing Helps Prevent Cavities
Yes, brushing does a great job at preventing cavities, but if you’re not using floss too, the space in between your teeth isn’t getting the love it needs! A very common place where cavities form is in between the teeth, and it’s nearly impossible to keep this area clean with brushing alone.
When you don’t use floss regularly, you’re potentially leaving food particles that feed bacteria, which in turn creates acids that decay the teeth.
Once decay is detected by your dentist, he/she will then have to remove the decay, and restore the tooth to it’s near natural form using tooth colored filling material. This is commonly known as having a “filling”.
Flossing daily will ensure that your teeth stay healthy in the long run and will help you prevent that extra dental visit you’re probably not looking forward to.
Flossing Can Eliminate Bad Breath
No one wants bad breathe. Believe it or not, flossing plays a major role in preventing undesirable bad breath.
As the food particles break down by feeding the bacteria in your mouth, it gives off a very undesirable odor. You may have noticed this smell if you only floss once in awhile, are around other people who don’t have proper flossing habits, or when you dislodge a food particle with floss or a toothpick.
The smell isn’t pleasant and is one of the direct causes of bad breath. Flossing, along with using antibacterial mouth rinses, water/air flossers, brushing regularly, etc. help reduce bacteria and therefore reduce bad breath.
By flossing more often, you can be confident that your oral hygiene isn’t driving coworkers, friends, and family away.
Flossing Slows Tartar Build-up
Bacteria can thrive in your mouth creating plaque. Over time, this plaque mixes with your saliva and can turn into tartar (also known as calculus).
Tartar is a hardened substance that attaches to the teeth and gums, and causes numerous oral health issues. These issues include bad breath, damaged or receding gums and chronic inflammation of the gums, just to name a few.
It is very important to remove plaque, which will slow the buildup of tartar to prevent cavities and other issues. Regular brushing and flossing will help prevent tartar, but the only way to truly eliminate it is to make sure you’re visiting the dentist regularly.
Flossing Prevents Gingivitis
Regular flossing isn’t just important for your teeth, it is good for the gums too. It is key to helping prevent gingivitis or worse.
Swollen gums that easily bleed are a sign of gingivitis. When left untreated, periodontal disease occurs which can cause receding gums and even the loss of teeth. Taking the time to floss will help keep the gingivitis at bay and ensure your mouth stays healthy.
Additionally, for individuals with diabetes, flossing is even more critical. Those with diabetes have a harder time fighting infections and that includes infections of the gums. Gum disease can even cause more complications of diabetes; thus it is vital that diabetics ensure they are taking extra care to maintain healthy gums.
Your toothbrush can’t do it all, so make sure your daily routine includes a thorough flossing as well. Be sure to keep floss around and use it every day.
If you’re experiencing any pain or just haven’t had a dental visit in a while, Monrovia Family Dentistry can help.
We cater to patients all over southwest of Indianapolis. Whether you live in the Plainfield, Mooresville, Danville, or Martinsville area, get in touch to schedule your appointment today!
