5 Reasons to Floss Your Teeth Every Single Day
Most people have been told time and time again that they need to brush and floss every day. In fact, most of us have been hearing this since we were children. By the time we reach adulthood, we typically know that it’s actually better to brush twice a day. Most adults get used to this but far fewer floss on a daily basis.
At California Dental Group, we want our patients to know not just that they should floss but why they should floss. Read on to learn five reasons that it really pays to follow a home dental care routine that includes daily flossing.
- Flossing removes plaque
- Flossing helps prevent gum disease
- Flossing can help prevent tooth decay
- Flossing can help prevent serious health problems
- Flossing can save you money
No matter how often or how well you brush, you can’t get the job done without also flossing. Your toothbrush can’t get between your teeth and that’s exactly where food particles and bacteria are going to build-up. Eventually, they turn to plaque, which can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and other conditions. Plaque that sticks around in your mouth turns to tartar and tartar can’t only be removed by professional dental cleaning.
If you don’t want gum disease then there’s nothing more important you could to than floss. More than 50% of American adults over the age of 30 have some level of gum disease. It’s caused by bacteria in plaque irritating the gums and inflaming them. Without treatment, gum disease can be serious and cause you to lose teeth.
When food particles with carbs sit on your teeth, your teeth decay. This includes everything from candy and soda to milk and bread. To get rid of those food particles entirely, you need to floss and you need to do it daily. If you don’t, then the acids left behind are going to dissolve your enamel, which leads direction to tooth decay and cavities.
Studies have been coming out in the last decade that show there’s a link between gum disease and many serious health conditions, including heart disease and stroke. The reasons this is true still aren’t known but if flossing can lower your rights of heart disease or stroke, then it’s worth doing.
Flossing can help prevent health issues, including gum disease. Flossing can help prevent costly dental procedures including root canals, fillings, dentures, and dental implants. Taking the time to floss just once a day can help reduce many of the costs associated with poor oral health.
The truth is that if you want your teeth and gums to be healthy then you need to be flossing on a regular basis. If you’re not sure how to floss, or you’re not sure that you’re doing it right, please ask your dentist at your next appointment. We’ll be happy to show you. Call California Dental Group today at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment.
