When you think of dental floss, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s simply a way to remove particles of food caught between your teeth, or maybe even a method for cleaning 30 percent of their surface that cannot be accessed with a toothbrush. But what many people don’t realize is those thin pieces of string you slide between your pearly whites do more than just keep your smile looking great – they can even help save your life! Here’s how.
The Many Benefits of Flossing
Flossing is a simple, effective oral hygiene practice that the American Dental Association recommends performing every day to keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling their best. In addition to making your mouth cleaner, it also provides the following oral health benefits.
Fewer Cavities
It’s easy to prevent cavities and tooth decay on the outside surfaces of your teeth by regularly brushing them and avoiding foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates. However, because you cannot access about 30 percent of your smile with a toothbrush, flossing becomes extremely important, as it easily removes plaque, bacteria, and food debris from between the teeth, leading to fewer interproximal cavities.
Gum Disease Prevention
Gum disease occurs when the periodontal tissue becomes infected with harmful oral bacteria, which can hide in between the teeth and along the gumline. When this occurs, it can cause your gums to become swollen, bleed, recede, and can eventually lead to permanent tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. Thus, to protect your gums against this dangerous infection, it is important to floss daily to eliminate as much bacteria as possible.
Cleaner, Fresher Breath
While spicy foods and coffee may taste delicious initially, once your meal is over it’s not welcome if it’s still clinging to your breath. Unfortunately, however, sometimes brushing alone won’t clear the air, so to speak. Thankfully, flossing can help remove any leftover bits from your smile, cleaning your breath so you can open your mouth without fear that your lunch is lingering a bit too long!
Improved Cardiovascular & Total-Body Health
According to a recent study, participants who had a solid oral hygiene routine which included daily flossing benefitted from a lower risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Other studies have linked gum disease to worsening symptoms of diabetes, which means flossing can help keep symptoms of both conditions at bay if done on a regular basis!
The Importance of Flossing Every Day
Unfortunately, while many people are excellent at brushing their teeth twice a day, where most fall short is flossing. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control only about 32 percent of American adults floss their teeth daily. Although it can add a few minutes to your daily routine, flossing is an extremely important step in your oral hygiene regimen. So, remember, when it comes to harmful plaque and bacteria deposits, out of sight isn’t out of mind. Just a few more moments flossing each day can protect your teeth, gums, and your heart to help you live a longer, healthier life!
About Dr. Ma
Dr. Blake Ma earned his dental degree at UCONN and has already amassed over 500 hours of advanced continuing education since graduating. He is a proud Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AFAAID), and even an Invisalign® Certified Provider. To schedule an exam and cleaning at Care Dental Associates, visit our website or call us today at 203-237-4519.