Is Flossing Just as Important as Brushing? It May Be

Many people hear it from their dentist every time they visit them: You should be flossing more. While more patients do brush their teeth at least twice per day, many sheepishly admit that they are not flossing as much as they should.

At California Dental Group we want our patients to be in good health and to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. Flossing is an essential part of that. Many people may not understand just how important it is. In fact, it can be just as important as brushing. Read on to learn more. If you have not visited your dentist in the last six months, contact us at (800) 407-0161 to set up a dental cleaning and exam.

Flossing has a big impact on gum disease

There are two main types of gum disease: Gingivitis, which is less serious and more common, and periodontal disease, which is more progressed and more serious. If you do not floss, you are leaving bacteria between your teeth and under your gums. That bacteria will turn into plaque and as time goes on it turns into tartar, a hard substance that lays on your teeth and can cause real irritation to your gums.

Tartar is more than annoying – it can weaken your teeth. All of this can lead to gum disease. If you believe you may have the symptoms of gum disease then we urge you to call your dentist right away. In its early stage, gum disease can often be treated and cured with a deep cleaning.

Flossing can help clear up bad breath

Everyone has bad breath once in a while. It may happen after you have eaten a meal that was heavy on the garlic or onions. However, when a person has bad breath all the time it is called halitosis. Flossing can help clear up bad breath because flossing gets into the tiny crevices in your mouth and between the teeth to rid your mouth of bacteria. The more bacteria you can scrape away, the fresher and cleaner your breath is likely to be.

Flossing can help with other health conditions

When you leave bacteria in your mouth, not only can it cause bad breath and gum disease but it can be breathed into your lungs. Some scientists believe this is the cause of the link between dental issues and serious health issues. For example, people who have periodontitis are three times as likely catch pneumonia. Diabetes and gum disease are also linked, as are gum disease and cardiovascular disease.

Doctors do not fully understand the ways in which bacteria is tied to these health conditions. What is known is that flossing and brushing can help reduce your chance of suffering from these health conditions. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis for a cleaning and exam is an important step as well. Reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you want to make an appointment with a dental professional.