If you brush your teeth at least twice a day, you may think you’re doing enough to protect your teeth and gums. However, flossing is an important factor of any dental hygiene routine and should be done at least once a night. If you’re looking for motivation to keep flossing every single day, check out these five ways that flossing can benefit you!
1. Maintain the health of your gums.
One of the most important reasons to floss your teeth everyday is to protect your gums. If you’ve ever forgotten to floss for a while, you may notice some inflammation or bleeding along your gum line. These are the first warning signs of gingivitis, an infection of the gums and the earliest stage of gum disease. By flossing daily, you can remove the bacteria and food debris that can irritate your gums and lead to infection.
2. Improve the appearance of your smile.
Flossing is a great way to ensure that your smile maintains a beautiful, youthful appearance. Not only does it help to fight decay, which can lead to a yellowing effect on the teeth, but it also prevents the deterioration of your gums and teeth. Flossing helps to protect the health of your jawbone and gums, which can otherwise take on a sunken appearance as a result of gum disease.
3. Freshen your breath.
Bad breath—also known as halitosis—is often caused by bacteria that has been trapped in your teeth and gums. Therefore, by flossing daily, you can remove the food particles that get stuck between the teeth, allowing you to rinse them away and fight bad breath.
4. Fight tooth decay.
When you eat, the sugars in your food feed the bacteria on your teeth. These bacteria later release harmful acids onto your dental enamel which, if left unchecked, can cause decay. When you floss your teeth, it removes the food particles and bacteria between your teeth, halting the corrosive process in its tracks. By maintaining a regular flossing routine, you can ensure that you protect your teeth from the harmful effects of decay and painful cavities.
5. Protect your health.
Did you know that gum disease affects 75% of adults over the age of 35? When this harmful illness enters your bloodstream, it can cause serious damage to your body—including heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, and more. Luckily, gum disease is quite easy to prevent with a solid dental hygiene routine. By flossing regularly, you can prevent the inflammation and infection of your gums, thereby protecting your overall health from the effects of gum disease.
Want to improve your oral health? Don’t forget to schedule your routine dentist appointment every six months! To schedule your next visit, contact Olympia Fields Dental Associates today!