Improve Your Oral Health By Flossing Daily

As part of a regular oral health routine, flossing is an often-overlooked step. But flossing daily is vital to preventing not just severe gum disease but other  serious health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and heart problems.

While you might prefer not to floss every day, there are good reasons why dentists urge patients to do it at least once a day. Dr. Mark Sowell of Aesthetic Dentistry Centre in Plano, TX wants you to know the top 7 reasons to floss every day.

1. Flossing daily prevents bad breath

When bacteria is allowed to build up between teeth, the digestive acids they produce cause bad breath. Removing this bacteria and any leftover food particles from between your teeth will help prevent bad breath while preserving the health of your gums.

2. Flossing removes cavity-causing bacteria from hard-to-reach places

Did you know that over 500 different bacteria species live in the mouth? While most of these microscopic lifeforms are harmless,  many of them cause cavities. Bacteria that are allowed to remain in between your teeth can cause cavities there, which puts both your oral health and even your overall health at risk.

3. It reduces your risk of gum disease

Bacteria cause cavities, but they can also cause gum disease. What you first notice as “just a little bleeding” can lead to receding gums and tooth loss without you even noticing other symptoms. Regularly removing plaque from between teeth is a critical step in keeping gum disease from progressing.

4. Gum disease is directly linked to serious health problems

Gum disease can also negatively impact your overall health in serious ways. New studies are finding links between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, and it has already been established that it’s connected to cardiovascular problems and low birth weight in babies of pregnant women with gum disease. The best way to prevent gum disease is through regular brushing and flossing.

5. Brushing alone only gets 60% of the plaque off of your teeth

While brushing is important to your oral health, almost half of all plaque — the clear, sticky substance that forms on your teeth and causes cavities — cannot be removed by brushing alone. Around 40% of plaque is actually between teeth and cannot be reached by your toothbrush. Flossing, or some other form of interdental cleaning, is the only way to remove plaque from between teeth.

6. Flossing daily saves you money in the long run

By preventing gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, flossing can help save you money by preventing you from needing complex, uncomfortable, and expensive dental procedures. The easiest, cheapest way to prevent oral health problems is with a toothbrush and some dental floss.

7. Your dentist will be proud of you

Your hygienist can tell when you actually floss and when you don’t! To score some extra points at your dental visit and avoid a lecture, make sure you floss between your teeth every day. The effects will be noticeable.

Expert Dental Care in Plano, TX

Dr. Sowell is an experienced dentist in Plano, TX who offers patients affordable, compassionate dental care in his welcoming office at Aesthetic Dentistry Centre. To schedule an appointment with our office, call (972) 382-6855 or request your complimentary consultation online today!