While most people have gotten into the habit of brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing is a little more rare. The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy, but who has time for that? Here are 4 reasons why you should take the time to floss every day.
Your Olney dentist explains why daily flossing is an important part of your dental health routine.
4 Reasons Why You Should Use Dental Floss from Your Olney Dentist
It gets between teeth and gums
Brushing your teeth is important but the bristles can only clean the surface of you teeth. The bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth and gums which leads to a build up of plaque. Dental floss is designed to clean the places your toothbrush can’t reach, making it much more effective when you use them together. Brushing without flossing is kind of like shampooing without using conditioner after: you’re missing out on half the benefits by skipping this crucial step.
Fights gum disease
One of the biggest benefits of daily use of dental floss is that it leads to healthier gums. Food particles get stuck between your teeth and gums which turns into plaque. Plaque that stays on your teeth for longer than 2-3 days will harden into tartar which can only be removed by your Olney dentist with a scraper. If too much tartar builds up it can lead to gingivitis, a common gum disease that is characterized by inflamed gums. If you bleed whenever you floss it’s probably due to gingivitis. Prevention is your best defense against gingivitis: brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every 6 months will keep your gums in good health.
Prevents more serious diseases
The bacteria that is found in an unhealthy mouth can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. In fact, in 2003 the Center for Disease Control made a call for public health officials to begin addressing oral health as a contributor to these potentially life-threatening diseases. Given how expensive medical care is in addressing systemic issues like these diseases, you’re much better off investing in a toothbrush and some dental floss.
Makes your dentist exam more pleasant
When your Olney dentist takes a scraper to your teeth at your exam, s/he is removing tartar buildup. For many people this is uncomfortable and unpleasant but did you know you can prevent it? Daily flossing is your best weapon in the fight against tartar and by preventing tartar from forming by vigilantly removing plaque every day, you may well be spared the scraper at your next exam.
Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. And don’t forget to visit Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media.