Wishing you could skip this one step in your dental hygiene routine? Don’t! Unfortunately, there is no substitute to this all-important item of your daily regimen—not even brushing or using a mouth rinse. Need further incentive? Consider these reasons for why flossing is so critical to your oral health.
Flossing minimizes your chances of getting tooth decay.
When food gets stuck between your teeth, it feeds the plaque that has naturally formed there. After feeding on your food particles, this plaque then excretes corrosive acids onto your dental enamel that ultimately leads to decay. So while brushing certainly helps to combat this process from occurring on the outer surfaces of your teeth, it doesn’t do much to save the enamel in those hard-to-reach places. And once your enamel is gone, it unfortunately cannot grow back. Thankfully, a regular flossing routine can prevent this process from occurring.
Flossing helps you fight gum disease.
Have you ever noticed your gums begin to bleed when you floss? Have your gums ever appeared red or inflamed? These are big warning signs for gingivitis, the earliest phase of gum disease. Flossing helps to prevent this condition by removing harmful bacteria from along the gum line. That said, if you’ve already experienced these symptoms, be sure to visit Valley Dental Care of Plainfield as soon as possible. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into gum disease, a very serious condition that can cause a number of health problems.
Flossing improves the appearance of your smile.
Gum disease and tooth decay can greatly impact the appearance of your smile. It can cause a yellowing effect of the dental enamel along the gum line. Gum disease, if severe enough, can also cause your gums to recede and even give your jaw a sunken appearance. By preventing these conditions through flossing, you can keep your teeth looking healthy and beautiful.
Flossing gives you fresher breath.
Halitosis, or bad breath, is caused by a number of things—including food particles and bacteria that become lodged in between the teeth. So while brushing and using mouthwash certainly help to fight bad breath, they can only do so much! Flossing is the best way to remove these food particles and give you pleasant breath.
Flossing protects your overall health.
The ability of flossing to fight gum disease is no small accomplishment. Gum disease wreaks havoc on your overall health. For example, it can lead to respiratory illness, stroke, heart disease, complications with diabetes, premature birth, and more. Therefore, flossing is a critical step in maintaining your good health for years to come.
Are you feeling motivated to start flossing every day? Why not start fresh and renew your oral health with a thorough professional cleaning? Call Valley Dental Care of Plainfield today to schedule your appointment!