Did you know that only around 30 percent of Americans floss daily and 32 percent don’t even floss at all?
If you brush your teeth regularly and get biannual cleanings, you might think that flossing isn’t too important. Whether you find it inconvenient or just don’t know how to floss properly, you may feel tempted to only pick up the floss before your dental checkup.
So, is flossing necessary for your dental health? The answer is definitely yes! In fact, the benefits don’t just stop with your oral health either.
Read on to learn about the benefits of flossing your teeth.
1. Flossing Keeps Your Gums Healthier
Did you know that periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss? Even milder cases of gum disease can cause gums that are sore and bleed when you brush.
These problems happen as your gums become inflamed from plague buildup. When you floss regularly, you’re removing more plague than just on the brushing surfaces. That means you’ll leave less bacteria to harm your gums and smile.
2. Flossing Can Give You Fresher Breath
Have you ever had an issue with bad breath despite brushing your teeth and using mouthwash?
While important, these practices don’t always remove the tarter and debris that get stuck between your teeth. By flossing regularly, you’ll get this gunk out and see an improvement in your breath.
3. Flossing Helps Prevent Cavities
While brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste helps prevent cavities on your teeth’s surfaces, that’s not the only place where cavities can happen. You may get cavities that hide between your teeth so that they’re harder for a dentist to find and treat early.
Flossing helps you clean all sides of your teeth to get rid of that hidden bacteria. When you skip flossing, you’re leaving yourself with dirty teeth where decay can lead to fillings, crowns, and even tooth loss.
4. Flossing May Help Prevent Certain Health Problems, Too
Did you know that the health of your gums can impact other parts of the body?
When you don’t floss and end up with gum disease. As a result, you may have an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Other studies discuss possible links to other conditions like diabetes, kidney issues, and cancer.
A big reason flossing is a such help that it helps get rid of that bacteria between your teeth. When this bacteria is gone, there’s less of a chance of it getting into your bloodstream. So, why not floss if you can improve your overall health?
So, Is Flossing Necessary? Yes!
Now that you know the benefits, you no longer will ask yourself, “Is flossing necessary?” So, begin flossing daily using an appropriate technique.
Just grab around 18 inches of dental floss, hold it between your index fingers and thumbs, and then use a careful up-and-down motion between the teeth. You can also ask your dental hygienist to show you how to floss properly during your next visit.
Whether you’re having a dental problem or just need a checkup, feel free to contact us and schedule an appointment today!
