Have you ever wondered why your dentist enquires about your dental flossing practices during every visit? It is because flossing goes a long way in maintaining your oral health. That is why you will often find some toothpicks beside your meal or near the cash register in the restaurant because it is normal for food particles to stick between your teeth.
The truth is that you cannot see all the bits of food that find their way into your teeth every time you eat. Additionally, you can brush your teeth and still not clean between your teeth, which is where dental flossing comes in. Here is why consistent flossing is essential.
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It Keeps Your Teeth Clean
The obvious benefit of dental flossing is that it keeps your teeth clean. Whether you eat dried foods, crunchy snacks, or sticky candies, the tiny particles will most likely stick in between your teeth. You should floss more often, especially if you’re guilty of eating sweet foods because the remains on your teeth can encourage plague build-up leading to tooth decay. Flossing keeps your teeth clean no matter what you eat.
It Prevents Gum Disease
According to Mitch Vanhille, a practicing dentist, plague is one of the leading causes of gum disease. When plague stays in your teeth, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that causes an inflammatory response contributing to gum disease. Therefore making flossing part and parcel of your routine helps you avoid different gum problems, including bleeding gums, receding gums, and tooth or bone loss.
Alleviate Teeth Decay
Many people dread the sound of a dental drill, which you want to avoid as much as you can. Teeth decay is likely when you don’t brush and floss as often as you should. When food particles stay in between your teeth, they become a breeding ground for bacteria which causes tooth decay. When you suffer tooth decay, the sound of a dental drill is inevitable. But you can alleviate tooth decay through consistent flossing to keep your teeth clean.
It Freshens Your Breath
Other than preventing tooth decay, dental flossing alleviates bad breath. When bits of food get stuck in your teeth and you ignore flossing, they grow into bacteria which causes bad breath. But you can maintain a fresh breath and confident smile by flossing after every meal.
Prevent Teeth Loss
Brushing and flossing maintain the cleanliness of your teeth, translating to healthier gums. Note that at least 35% of your teeth are left uncleaned if you only brush and don’t floss. So a combination of brushing and flossing leaves you with cleaner teeth and healthy gums, which lowers the risks of teeth loss.
It Helps You Examine Your Teeth
Last but not least, dental flossing gives you a chance to examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth. When flossing, you should look closely for any redness, inflammation, or soreness in your teeth so that you seek dental care promptly. For instance, bleeding when flossing could be a sign of gingivitis and calls for immediate dental care.
A Key Takeaway
Flossing is a critical practice for maintaining good oral health.