It has been drilled into your head since you were a child that flossing is an important part of keeping your teeth clean. This isn’t just because it can help you remove food debris that is stuck in between. There is a multitude of benefits of taking a minute to floss every day when you brush your teeth. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about the benefits of flossing.
Removes Plaque
Plaque is that soft, sticky substance that builds up on and between your teeth. Both regular brushing and flossing are ways of removing this buildup. If you don’t, it will eventually harden into tartar. This builds up between the teeth and against the gumline. This will result in both tooth and gum decay. It’s impossible to avoid plaque entirely, but by brushing and flossing, you can combat it to the point where it never becomes an issue.
Helps Keep Your Smile Whiter
When you have buildups of plaque and tartar between your teeth, they can actually appear to be more discolored. If you are wanting to use teeth whitening treatments, they work best on teeth that are free of plaque. If you still have this substance stuck between your teeth, you won’t get the results that you’re looking for. By flossing, you can allow the whitening chemicals to access all different surfaces of your teeth for the best outcome.
Wards Off Gum Disease
When tartar isn’t removed from the gumline, it can result in some serious health issues. This will irritate the gums and lead to gingivitis. Symptoms include gum inflammation, irritation, and bleeding during and after brushing. When treated early on, gingivitis is reversible, but if it progresses to periodontitis, you are looking at a much more serious problem. Consequences include gum recession, loose teeth, and the loss of teeth entirely.
Prevents Bad Breath
Many of us have had this experience before. You wake up late and rush out the door before you are able to brush and floss your teeth. You don’t have that fresh breath that you wanted to have throughout the day. But why is that? When you don’t remove food debris and plaque, the bacteria in your mouth will continue to multiply. Not only does this result in tooth decay, but you will have the unpleasant side effect of bad breath. By flossing every day, you are removing bad breath causing bacteria.
Even though floss is useful for getting out the remnants of lunch between your teeth, it’s important for so much more! Don’t forget to keep a container of floss next to your toothbrush to use daily. Your smile will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas provides dental care to patients in Sparks, NV and surrounding communities. After he earned his DDS from the University of the Pacific, he took care of troops as he was serving in the US Army Dental Corps. He continues to expand his knowledge in the field by taking continuing education courses. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (775) 626-3535.