I am sure you hear all the time about how you should be flossing more, but it is important you understand why it is so important to do so.
Your dentist’s job is to keep your mouth clean, but they need help from you to ensure you can maintain a healthy smile for the entirety of your life. Here are 3 reasons why you need to floss regularly so you can always enjoy your smile.
Reason 1: Floss fights harder than a toothbrush.
Brushing your teeth can only get you so far in terms of fighting off germs in your mouth. Floss helps you reach those tiny crevices you just wouldn’t hit with a toothbrush alone.
Reason 2: Gum disease and cavities
Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash are definitely good ways to clean your teeth and refresh your breath, but they aren’t going to stop you from getting gum disease or cavities. Flossing removes the food and germs that, when left in your mouth to rot, turn into serious health complications that require serious dental attention.
Reason 3: Plaque
Plaque develops on your teeth that needs to be cleaned before it can be allowed to sit for too long. Once it has been sitting on your teeth for a long time it can turn into what is known as tartar. Tartar is a hard substance which creates numerous complications in your mouth and requires a dentist to remove using special tools. Unlike plaque which can be removed simply by using floss yourself in the comfort of your home.
Often patients like to say their excuse for not flossing is due to their gums bleeding. Bleeding gums, while sometimes are a sign of gingivitis, aren’t always a bad thing. Gum bleeding can help loosen the plaque buildup in your teeth making it easier to get rid of yourself instead of having it sit and turn into something very serious. If you have been slacking on the floss it may be a good time to
schedule an appointment, so be sure to do so as soon as possible.