Many people opt out of flossing their teeth each time they brush. But flossing gets into those crevices that the toothbrush often can’t reach. In doing so, it removes lingering food that bacteria thrive off of. So each time you skip out on flossing, those particles of food that can’t be removed from your toothbrush can cause bacteria to build up, which can eventually fester into gum disease, among other health concerns. So, if you’re wondering if flossing is important, read on to learn why it is.
Removes Tough To Reach Plaque
Plaque can easily form throughout those tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line. Your toothbrush does a fantastic job of removing the plaque on your teeth but is limited in its ability to get into those tricky spots where plaque buildup occurs the most. Flossing can get into those tight spots and remove plaque in between and along the gum line.
Flossing Prevents Hard Tartar
If plaque is left to form on your teeth, it hardens and turns into tartar. And tartar can be very difficult to remove without a trip to the dentist. That is why it’s important to floss every day. Flossing works to remove the plaque when it is soft and sticky before it can form into a firm tartar that can damage your teeth.
Reduces Your Chances Of Gingivitis
Flossing also works to protect your gums from inflammation and gingivitis. Tartar buildup that happens when plaque is not cleared from the mouth can eventually lead to gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and if not addressed can lead to periodontitis – severe gum disease that can result in tooth and bone loss. Flossing removes the bacteria loaded plaque and tartar buildup in your mouth, reducing your chances of gum disease.
Helps Prevent Other Diseases
Did you know that your mouth is an entry point in which a magnitude of bacteria can gain access to your body? What’s considered as “oral bacteria” can, in turn, begin to affect other parts of the body and result in serious health complications. In fact, improper and poor oral health has been proven to lead to other diseases such heart disease, bacteremia, endocarditis, preterm birth, and cardiovascular disease. Flossing can help reduce your chances of enduring these health problems by eliminating as much bacteria as possible.
Preventative Care Saves You Money
Emergency dental visits and dental surgery can cost you much more than you may be prepared for. And many dental plans don’t cover all the types of dental work that you may need. Initiating preventative care now will help save you money down the road by helping you avoid any expensive dental procedures.
All it takes is a few minutes each day to keep your oral care in check. To find out more about oral care and how you can take better care of your mouth, talk to us at Teal Umbrella. We are your oral health specialists, dedicated to ensuring all our patients receive top of the line dental care and education on how to improve their oral health.
