When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth is always the number one recommendation. However, there’s another essential habit that plays a critical role in preventing dental issues but frequently gets overlooked: flossing. That’s right! Using a thin piece of dental floss, you can clean between your teeth and along the gum line, reaching areas that your toothbrush often misses. These areas are prone to plaque buildup, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even bad breath.
In today’s blog post, let’s look at five ways that flossing plays an essential role in your oral health.
1. Prevent tooth decay.
Tooth decay occurs when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up on your teeth. This bacteria feeds on food particles and sugars, producing acids that erode the tooth enamel. While brushing removes plaque from the surface of your teeth, flossing targets the hidden areas between your teeth. Without flossing, plaque and food debris may remain trapped, increasing the risk of cavities forming in between your teeth.
2. Lower the risk of gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common yet serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It begins as gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis occurs when plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) build up along the gum line.
Flossing is essential for cleaning the spaces between your teeth and under the gum line, two areas where gingivitis often starts. By flossing daily, you remove plaque before it has a chance to harden into tartar, helping to keep your gums healthy and free from disease.
3. Reduce bad breath.
Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often caused by food particles and bacteria trapped between the teeth. These particles can decompose and release sulfur compounds, which create an unpleasant odor. While brushing does help, flossing eliminates the additional food debris and bacteria that remain trapped between teeth, thus improving your breath. If you’re struggling with bad breath despite brushing, adding flossing to your routine could provide significant relief.
4. Prevent tartar build-up.
Plaque is soft and sticky, but when left on your teeth for an extended period, it hardens into tartar or calculus. Once hardened, it can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist during a professional cleaning. Flossing helps prevent the buildup of plaque in the first place, which reduces the likelihood of tartar formation. Without flossing, the plaque can accumulate in areas that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush, ultimately requiring more intensive dental treatment.
5. Improve your overall oral health.
Flossing doesn’t just help prevent cavities and gum disease. It’s also essential for maintaining a well-rounded dental care routine – which has a direct link to overall health, with research suggesting that poor dental hygiene is associated with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. In other words, by flossing regularly, you’re not just protecting your teeth and gums. You’re also supporting your overall well-being by reducing your risk of these systemic health issues.
Reach out to Maitland Ave Smile Co. to get a jump start on your dental care in the new year!
Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like your family’s dental routine, dental anxiety, and more.