Our teeth are vital for our quality of life because they allow us to break down food for easier consumption. Conversely, our teeth supplement our speech by helping us make more articulate speech sounds, which is why everyone is encouraged to take care of their teeth. Brushing your teeth and regular visits to the dentist are recommended, but these are often not enough, especially for those who need specialized dental care. If this is the case, many dentists recommend flossing.
Flossing is vital for oral hygiene because it reaches places the toothbrush cannot reach. Dental floss is a thin, waxed thread used to clean between the teeth, which also helps remove plaque, a sticky film that can build up on teeth and cause discoloration. Despite this, many do not consider flossing because they think brushing apart from routine dental appointments is enough, which is rarely the case.
If you do not see the value of flossing, here are several benefits you can reap:
#1 – Freshens Your Breath
Brushing your teeth and getting your teeth cleaned by your dentist are integral to maintaining fresh breath. However, flossing helps to remove food particles and bacteria that can accumulate between your teeth. This helps to reduce bad breath and keep your mouth feeling fresh throughout the day.
#2 – Prevents Cavities
Brushing your teeth is essential for removing plaque from the surface of your teeth, but flossing is also crucial for preventing cavities. Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from the areas between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Without flossing, these areas can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to cavities.
#3 – Prevents Gum Disease
Gum health is essential for oral health, and flossing is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria that can build up between your teeth and gums. This helps reduce the risk of inflammation and infection of the gums, which can lead to gum disease. Regular flossing and brushing are the best ways to maintain healthy gums.
#4 – Maintains Your Jaw Structure
If you leave bacteria unchecked in your mouth, it can lead to your teeth falling out, drastically affecting your jaw structure. Flossing is an effective way to help maintain your jaw structure because it helps remove plaque and bacteria that can build up between your teeth and gums, which can cause your teeth to loosen and eventually fall out.
#5 – Reduces the Chances of Other Health Conditions
Few people know this, but oral health issues can lead to other health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Flossing helps reduce the chances of developing these health conditions by removing plaque and bacteria from your mouth, which can otherwise enter your bloodstream and affect other internal organs.
Other Important Things to Remember About Flossing
Flossing may be a simple task, but you should never take it lightly because you must remember the following:
Never Floss Roughly
When flossing, be gentle and never force the floss between your teeth. Flossing too hard can damage your gums, which could lead to inflammation and bleeding. Naturally, this also means going slowly to avoid putting pressure on your teeth and gums.
Floss Upward
The point of flossing is to get plaque away from your gums, so flossing downward is counterproductive. Floss upward, in a “C” shape, to ensure the floss reaches between the gum and the tooth. This will help to get rid of any build-up of plaque or food particles that may be stuck in between.
Only Floss Once a Day
You might think flossing more than once daily is good, but it is not. Flossing too often can irritate and damage the tissue, so you should floss in the morning or before bed.
Never Rely on Flossing Alone as a Dental Cleanser
Above all else, you should never rely on flossing alone as a dental cleanser. Flossing is good, but it is not enough to remove all the plaque and bacteria that can build up in your mouth. You should also brush your teeth twice daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Conclusion
Flossing is highly beneficial for oral health, so doing it regularly is recommended. Dental floss effectively removes plaque and food debris between the teeth and along the gum line, but only when done right. If you do, the wonders of flossing will be evident, and you will feel having a healthier mouth.
If you are looking for a dental office in Newton, MA, Waban Dental Group is for you! We understand the value of oral health, so we offer comprehensive treatment options to ensure you get the best care. Call us at (617) 527-6061 today to schedule an appointment!
