The Importance of Flossing Your Teeth and Gums

Everyone knows they should floss but do you know why? There are a few major reasons flossing is so important. Did you know flossing regularly can prevent not only gum disease but reduce your risk of heart disease too? Below are some of the most important reasons everyone should be flossing.

1. Floss to prevent gum disease: It seems obvious but flossing regularly can prevent gum disease. Gingivitis will be the first sign of gum disease and appears as inflamed gums. If not treated gingivitis can turn to peridontal disease and it’s not pretty. The plaque that gathers on your teeth contains harmful bacteria. Flossing helps remove this bacteria from the gums.

2. Floss to prevent your teeth from decaying: When plaque left on your teeth mixes with sugar and other bacterias in your mouth your teeth can begin to decay. Brushing alone will not remove all of the plaque in your mouth. Leaving plaque between the teeth is in large part what causes cavities between teeth.

3. Floss to prevent tartar build up: Many people are unaware that when plaque is left on the teeth it reacts with saliva’s calcifying properties and become tartar. Those who regularly brush AND floss generally have less tartar build up. No amount of at home dental care will prevent you from creating tartar and removing it is rather difficult. Regular cleaning will help you keep your mouth free of tartar.

4. Floss to prevent bad breath (halitosis): Bad breath is often caused by plaque left between your teeth. Persistent bad breath may also be a sign of gum disease or tooth decay which are also caused by plaque left on the teeth.

5. Floss to reduce the risk of heart disease: It’s true, regularly flossing can reduce the risk of heart disease. Our mouth is a gate way for harmful bacteria to enter our body. Dental plaque contains harmful bacteria that if left in the mouth can make it’s way into the body including cardiac tissue. People who regularly brush and floss their teeth greatly reduce the amount of plaque in their mouth and reduces their chances of heart disease.

There are a number of reasons to floss your teeth on a regular basis. Unsure of the proper way to floss? Ask Dr. Loftus or one of his dental staff to show you how! We are happy to educate our patients on the proper ways to maintain a healthy mouth.

Posted in Dental Care