Do You Still Think Flossing Isn’t That Important? Learn Four Reasons This is Wrong
You have likely heard time and time again that you should be flossing more often. You might realize that it is important but assume that it is not entirely crucial. At California Dental Group, we encourage our patients to follow excellent at-home oral health care – which includes flossing on a daily basis. Falling short can cause many issues – including the four issues listed below.
- Brushing Does Not Do Enough
- Flossing is a Great Defense Against Gum Disease
- Flossing Can Prevent Other Diseases
- Flossing is One of the Best Ways to Prevent the Buildup of Tartar
One of the main issues is that brushing alone is not enough. Yes, it is very effective and very important. That said, it is not sufficient in and of itself to keep your teeth and gums in top shape. Your toothbrush works to get rid of plaque with soft bristles, but it cannot get in between your teeth. That is where flossing comes in. It can get into those tiny, tight spaces and clean out the plaque. When done correctly, this can significantly reduce your chance of developing gum disease or tooth decay.
No one wants their teeth to decay, but for many people, the bigger worry should be gum disease. The best way to prevent it is to brush twice per day and floss daily, yet one in three Americans have some form of gum disease. If food is left between the teeth and plaque is left unbothered, then it can eventually feed bacteria that then leads to gum disease. If those food particles are removed and plaque is not allowed to build up, the chances of disease and decay go down significantly.
Most people have no idea that their gum health is correlated to their overall health. In fact, a person with gum disease is at a significantly higher risk of heart disease, respiratory illness, and diabetes. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that oral hygiene is an essential step to help prevent or reduce these life-threatening diseases.
If plaque is left between your teeth, it will buildup. Eventually, it hardens into what is known as tartar, which accumulates where the gum and teeth meet. Once tartar has built up, it can only be removed by professional dental tools. Flossing daily gets rid of that plaque before it becomes tartar.
If you need guidance on how to properly floss or you are due for an appointment with a dental professional, we urge you to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 right away.