We know that flossing can be considered tedious, but it is also very important! Here are just five reasons not to skip this vital step in your daily routine.
1. Flossing is critical for fighting tooth decay.
As you likely already know, flossing helps you to remove food from between your teeth and gums. However, what you may not realize is how important this function is for fighting tooth decay! When food is trapped between your teeth and gums, the plaque that resides there quickly feeds on the sugars within it. After metabolizing these sugars, the bacteria in plaque then releases harmful acids. These acids corrode your dental enamel and, over time, can lead to decay and cavities. Brushing your teeth certainly helps to stop this process, but it is usually the plaque between your teeth that is often missed and has the most opportunity to harm your teeth.
2. Flossing reduces your chances of getting gum disease.
If you have ever seen a pink tinge to your saliva after you floss, then you’ve likely already experienced the earliest stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. This infection of the gums causes inflammation, swelling, and bleeding in the gums, and can lead to gum disease if left untreated. Luckily, you can easily prevent this from occurring by flossing regularly. Flossing removes the harmful bacteria along the gum line that leads to gingivitis, keeping your gums in great condition!
3. Flossing allows your smile to look great.
A healthy smile is a beautiful smile. By flossing regularly, you an prevent oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay that can ruin the appearance of your smile. Gum disease, for example, can leave a yellowing effect along the gum line and can even cause your gums to recede. Flossing also helps you to remove plaque before it can harden into tartar, a brownish black calcified substance that sticks to your teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. Therefore, to keep your teeth and gums looking healthy and beautiful, be certain to floss regularly!
4. Flossing helps combat halitosis.
When food particles and bacteria get stuck between your teeth, it can lead to bad breath (or halitosis). Brushing and rinsing with mouthwash are a good start to prevent this from occurring. However, if the particles are stuck between your teeth, only flossing can really get the job done! Therefore, to keep your breath smelling great, flossing regularly is the key.
5. Flossing helps more than just your mouth.
Did you know that gum disease can lead to a number of serious issues with your overall health? If left untreated, it can lead to stroke, respiratory illness, complications with diabetes, heart disease, and even premature birth. Thankfully, flossing is an excellent tool to keep the bacteria that leads to gum disease at bay.
Are you concerned about the health of your teeth and gums? It may to schedule your routine dental check-up! Call Downtown Dental in River North to book your next appointment and bring yourself back to good oral health.