In the course of the average oral hygiene regimen, flossing is a sometimes-overlooked step, but flossing daily is key to preventing serious health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and heart problems as well as severe gum disease.
While you may not enjoy flossing every day, there are many good reasons why so many dentists urge their patients to do it at least once a day. Dr. Nicholas F. Gardner of Nicholas F. Gardner Family Dental Care in Gouverneur, NY wants you to know the top 6 reasons to floss every day.
1. Flossing prevents bad breath
When bacteria accumulates between teeth, the acids they produce cause bad breath. Clearing away the bacteria and leftover food particles from the spaces between your teeth prevents bad breath and preserves the health of your gums at the same time.
2. It removes cavity-causing bacteria from hard-to-reach places
Over 500 different species of bacteria live in the human mouth. Most of these are harmless, but many of them can cause cavities if allowed to flourish unchecked. Bacteria living in between your teeth can cause cavities there, putting your oral health at risk.
3. Flossing reduces your risk of gum disease
In addition to causing cavities, bacteria can also cause gum disease. What starts out as merely a little bleeding can quickly become severe decay and eventually tooth loss without you even noticing other symptoms. Routinely removing plaque from between teeth is a crucial step in preventing gum disease from progressing.
4. Gum disease is directly linked to serious health problems
Gum disease can jeopardize more than just your teeth and gums, it can also negatively affect your health in serious ways. New research is finding links between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular issues and it has even been linked to low birth weight in babies. The best method of preventing gum disease is by establishing a routine of daily brushing and flossing.
5. Brushing alone only gets 60% of the plaque off of your teeth
While brushing is important to the health of your teeth and gums, nearly half of the plaque that needs to be removed cannot be removed by brushing alone. Around 40% of plaque is actually between teeth and cannot be reached by a toothbrush. Flossing, or some other form of interdental cleaning, is the only way to remove plaque from between teeth.
6. Flossing saves you money in the long run
Flossing can help save you money by preventing you from needing complex, uncomfortable, and expensive dental procedures by helping your prevent cavities and gum disease. The simplest and most cost effective way to prevent oral health problems is still by using a toothbrush and some dental floss.
Expert Dental Care in Gouverneur, NY
Dr. Gardner is an experienced dentist in Gouverneur who offers patients affordable, compassionate dental care in a professional and welcoming environment. To schedule an appointment with our office, call (315) 203-1772 or request your appointment online today!