We know that flossing can be tedious. However, it is critical that you floss at least once per day to protect your oral health. Here are just five reasons why flossing is one of the best things you can do for your teeth and gums.
1. Fight Tooth Decay
The bacteria found in plaque—the soft white substance that naturally forms on the surface of your teeth—feeds on the sugars in your food. Once they have feasted on these sugars, these bacteria excrete harmful acids that eat away at your dental enamel. Therefore, when you have food stuck between your teeth or in those hard-to-reach places, those bad bacteria have a feeding frenzy and slowly corrode your teeth. This is why cavities are most commonly found between your teeth. Flossing, when done correctly, does an excellent job of removing food debris and protecting your teeth from decay.
2. Prevent Gum Disease
In the same way that bacteria can harm your dental enamel, it can also damage your gums! When bacteria releases acids as a result of the food stuck in your teeth, these acids cause inflammation in the gums. This inflammation leads to an infection known as gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to a number of serious health issues—including heart disease, respiratory illness, and stroke. Flossing is very effective in preventing this process from occurring, and therefore a critical component of any oral healthcare regimen.
3. Avoid Tartar Build-up
Plaque forms naturally in your mouth constantly. Luckily, it is quite soft and easy to remove from your teeth with simple brushing and flossing techniques. However, if plaque is left on your teeth for too long, it calcifies and turns into a blackish brown substance known as tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove by yourself, and must be removed by a dental professional. Not only does tartar worsen the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, it harms your gums as well. To avoid allowing this process to occur, we strongly recommend that you floss regularly to remove the plaque that is hidden between your teeth and gums.
4. Kill Bad Breath
While bad breath (also known as halitosis) can be caused by a number of health issues, one of the primary causes is bacteria buildup in the mouth. This can be quite common in those who don’t floss regularly, allowing bacteria and food debris to collect between the teeth. Flossing regularly helps to remove this bacteria, keeping your breath smelling fresh!
5. Brighten Your Smile
If you want to keep a beautiful, bright smile, flossing is very important! Flossing helps to prevent oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay that can leave a yellow tinge on the surface of your teeth. Gum disease also can cause receding gum line, which causes your teeth to look longer. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you can also ensure they look great too.
Are you looking to improve your oral health? Call Caputo Dental today to schedule your next routine dental check-up!