Flossing is important for both our oral health and our overall health. Unfortunately, many dental patients don’t take it seriously enough, resulting in health complications down the road. A big reason why a lot of patients neglect flossing is that they don’t do it enough! They’re afraid of pain and bleeding; however, routine flossing will reduce discomfort, and it will effectively prevent your gums from bleeding.
If you never floss or only floss occasionally, try to make it a more consistent habit. The following article will explain three important reasons to floss daily.
Prevent Disease
Flossing removes plaque and other forms of bacteria in your mouth. When you eat, you chew your food into microscopic bits, and those remnants can lodge themselves in the crevices of your mouth and underneath your gums. When this occurs, tartar may accumulate and cause serious issues, including gingivitis.
Furthermore, daily flossing will significantly improve gum health and reduce your risk of suffering periodontal disease (gum disease). Periodontal disease is closely linked to general health, as patients suffering from it are also more susceptible to heart disease.
A More Thorough Cleaning
While brushing your teeth three times per day and after meals, it is important for your oral health, it’s not enough to rely on brushing alone. Following a meal, germs and bacteria will situate themselves in your mouths, on the surface of our teeth, and around our gumline. While brushing is effective at removing plaque and germs, toothbrushes are not designed to reach tough-to-reach areas.
Consider flossing before you brush your teeth for the best dental hygiene results. Flossing before brushing loosens any stubborn plaque and allows your toothbrush to take care of the rest. Remember, rinse very well following your oral healthcare routine!
Improved Confidence
Flossing your teeth on a daily basis can improve your self-confidence. First and foremost, food has a bad habit of getting stuck in teeth, exposing itself in your smile. Keeping a container of dental floss in your vehicle or in your purse for emergencies will keep your smile looking fresh and free of spinach!
Flossing is also an effective way to prevent bad breath. When remnants of food in your mouth are not removed with a toothbrush or dental floss, bacteria will cling to it, resulting in stale, odorous breath. Whether you have a big presentation to give at work or going on a date, make sure that you floss beforehand!
If you’re unaware of proper flossing techniques, make sure to contact Tooth Harmony today. Visit our website or give us a call to book your appointment. We look forward to seeing your smile!