If you’ve ever gone to the dentist before then you’ll definitely have been told you should be flossing every day. But how many people actually listen to this advice?
In fact, 30% of Americans say they floss every day, while another 30% say they never floss. But who’s right?
As it turns out, flossing is important, and you really should be flossing every day. Those dentists aren’t lying! But why is flossing important?
That’s what we’re going to be talking about today. Read on to learn all about the many benefits of flossing and why it’s so crucial.
It Keeps Plaque at Bay
Over the course of a day, a substance called plaque will build up on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque can release acids that attack your tooth enamel.
Over time this can lead to cavities. A build-up of plaque can also cause gum disease.
This is why it’s so important to brush your teeth each night and every morning. But brushing alone can’t get rid of all of the plaque in your mouth.
There are hard-to-reach areas (like in between your teeth) that your toothbrush just can’t clean effectively. This is where flossing comes in. Flossing helps to get rid of the plaque that builds up in areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
To really tackle plaque you should also see a dentist (like Caldwell, Bills & Petrilli Dentistry) on a regular basis. They’ll be able to give you a deep cleaning.
Can Help Your Overall Health
Many people aren’t aware that oral health is connected to overall health, but it is. Having bacteria build up in your mouth can lead to infections and issues in other areas of your body. It can even increase your risk of heart failure.
If you want to promote health in the rest of your body, you need to keep an eye on your oral health as well. Floss regularly to make sure your oral hygiene is where you want it to be.
Reduces Bad Breath
Halitosis (or bad breath) is reported to affect as many as one in four people. It can have many different sources and poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes.
Nobody wants to have bad breath. It’s an embarrassing problem to have and it can have adverse effects on your personal and even your professional life. But there are some things you can do to reduce it.
Having good dental hygiene practices will help to reduce your chances of developing halitosis. This means brushing your teeth and flossing on a daily basis.
The Importance of Flossing Every Day
We hope that this article has impressed the importance of flossing upon you. There’s a reason dentists are so passionate about telling their patients to floss every day. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and to keep your smile looking bright.
If you’re looking for more advice on how to take care of your pearly whites, we’ve got articles on this and an array of topics. Check out the rest of our content now.