It’s clear that failing to floss puts your oral health at risk. Flossing regularly helps to remove the gunk and plaque that collects in the small, hard-to-reach spots around your teeth and gums. Researchers are always examining flossing and the role it plays in oral health. So, why is flossing so important?
It improves your appearance
If you want to maintain a bright smile for the rest of your life, remember to floss. Flossing helps to improve your appearance. When we eat, food gets stuck in between our teeth. Sometimes we may not even feel or notice it. However, that doesn’t mean other people might not notice.
Flossing prevents gum disease
Some people may be afraid to floss because their gums bleed when they do it. However, the fact that you are not flossing and/or brushing regularly is the reason for your bleeding gums. Flossing regularly will help prevent your gums from bleeding or receding, which can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss.
It reduces your chances of developing heart issues
As strange as it sounds, there is research that suggests a link between plaque on teeth and heart disease. Researchers theorize that gum disease makes your arteries narrow, which leads to heart disease.
Decrease tooth decay
Nobody likes to get dental work done, and flossing is a great way to keep from needing it. When food particles get trapped between your teeth, the bacteria don’t take long to wreak havoc on your enamel. Flossing will get those food particles loosened or completely removed, decreasing the damage that can be done.
It helps to keep your breath fresh
Clearing out excess food particles allows you to eliminate odors that occur from bacteria. This will help you achieve or maintain fresh breath. That will in turn give you confidence to go about your life.
Beware if you wear braces
People who are wearing braces trap even more food particles. It is important that you are extra vigilant about your oral health care routines if you wear braces. Your orthodontist and their staff can help you learn some of the techniques that will make this easier for you. Many will suggest using a waterpik as part of your flossing routine.
Hopefully that helped to answer the question – why is flossing so important? Now here’s a bonus for your overall health as well.
It might help you lose weight
Research suggests that after people floss, they are less likely to snack. Those calories from snacking add up. When people go to the trouble of cleaning their mouth, they usually want to keep it that way for a little bit.
The other components of oral hygiene
It is also important that you understand the other aspects of maintaining good oral health care routines. Not just flossing daily – because flossing is just one piece of the puzzle.
Consistency and frequency is key to good oral health. Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time is an important part of that routine.
Also important is using mouthwash. However, it is important to know that mouthwash should be a supplemental part of oral hygiene. It simply cannot and should not be used as a replacement for brushing and flossing.
Don’t forget to see your dentist
You should visit your dentist every six months for a check up and a cleaning. It’s a good way to stay on top of your oral health and keep small problems from potentially becoming large ones.
Limit sugar intake
Sugar is particularly damaging to teeth. Bacteria go crazy for it and the amount of acid they excrete as a result is much higher with sugar than most other foods. Limiting sugar is also better for your body as well. Most people consume far too much sugar.
Next time someone asks “why is flossing so important”, you will have all the answers.