Posted: June 22, 2024
Flossing is often considered the unsung hero of oral hygiene. While brushing your teeth twice a day is crucial, flossing plays an equally important role in maintaining a healthy mouth. Despite being frequently overlooked, flossing provides several significant benefits that can help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
Removing Plaque for the Big-Picture
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth after eating or drinking. If not removed, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Flossing daily helps to remove plaque from areas where your toothbrush can't reach, such as between your teeth and under the gumline.
By preventing plaque buildup, flossing reduces the risk of developing tartar, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. But the benefits don’t stop there: poor flossing habits can contribute to various systemic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. By flossing regularly, you reduce the risk of oral infections and inflammation, which can impact your overall health.
A Shared Benefit
Flossing not only benefits you, it also has positive effects on the people around you. By maintaining good oral hygiene practices like flossing, you reduce the risk of transmitting harmful bacteria that can cause dental issues. This is particularly important in close personal interactions, such as kissing or sharing utensils, where oral bacteria can be easily transferred.
Plus, fresh breath resulting from regular flossing contributes to better social interactions and enhances your confidence in personal and professional settings. By prioritizing your oral health through flossing, you contribute to a healthier environment for yourself and those you interact with daily.
The Usual Suspects
Of course, flossing also offers the kinds of positive effects you might expect. It prevents gum disease, reduces your risk of cavities, and prevents bad breath.
- Prevents Gum Disease: Regular flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth that can lead to severe complications if left untreated like gingivitis.
- Reduces the Risk of Cavities: Cavities, or dental caries, are permanent damage areas on the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. By keeping these areas clean, flossing reduces the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
- Prevents Bad Breath: Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and is often caused by trapped food particles and bacteria in your mouth. These particles can decompose and produce foul-smelling odors. Flossing helps remove them from between your teeth and under your gum line.
Scheduling a Consultation
Flossing is a simple yet effective way to maintain excellent oral hygiene and overall health. By incorporating flossing into your daily routine, you can prevent plaque buildup, reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities, improve your breath, save on dental bills, and enhance your overall well-being. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our office via our contact form or by calling 403-407-5730.
*all procedures performed at our practice by a general dentist
