The American Dental Association recommends daily flossing, at minimum once per day. Dental floss aids you in cleaning areas that are normally hard to reach, such as the tiny spaces between your teeth. Despite the obvious reasons you should floss each day, there are a few critics that disagree or question the necessity of flossing. However, research shows us that flossing does wonders beyond just giving us a healthy and beautiful smile. It helps maintain oral health as well, which directly benefits overall well-being.
Here are some reasons why you should be flossing daily:
Floss Reaches Where Your Toothbrush Can’t
Two lines of defense are better than one. Research supports that brushing once a day and flossing once a day is much more effective than only brushing. That’s because floss allows you to target specific areas to get to plaque that is otherwise difficult to reach and remove.
Keeps Gums Healthy
Healthy gums are the foundation for a healthy smile. Flossing allows us to remove the tiny food particles that get caught under gums, which eventually lead to tartar build up, or even worse – tooth decay. Tartar build-up is actually the main cause of gingivitis, but can also lead to more severe dental health issues. One of those more serious conditions is called periodontitis, a gum disease that can cause bone and tooth loss.
Flossing avoids the need for tartar to be scraped off your teeth, which is not something anyone looks forward to. It fights it by removing plaque buildup around the gum line. Removing plaque before it hardens to become tartar, keeps your teeth and gums much healthier, and your smile brighter.
Lowers Your Dental Costs
Flossing is a preventative measure, and therefore has benefits that extend beyond oral hygiene. A simple action such as flossing can potentially help you avoid costly dental bills. Between that and keeping up with your dentist office visits for cleanings, you will protect your smile and your wallet.
If you have any questions about the correct way to floss or would like to know more about how flossing can help maintain your smile and oral health, contact us today!
