As dentists, we can see who uses floss regularly and who doesn’t. This blog highlights the main reasons to floss your teeth each day.
Why Should I Floss My Teeth Each Day?
Everyone knows that we only get one set of teeth in our lifetime. Because of this fact, it makes sense that we should take care of them as well as possible. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods, along with brushing regularly are simple steps we can take to care for our precious teeth.
However, these techniques do not necessarily reach all surfaces of your teeth. Flossing between your teeth where your brush bristles can’t reach, will help prevent decay and unnecessary visits to your dentist.
The Main Reasons Why Flossing Is Important?
Along with causing irritation to your gums, a bacterium builds up between your teeth which can destroy the hard enamel coating, this is what causes cavities in teeth. The bacteria live on food matter, no matter how small, and it is the byproducts they produce that initially deteriorate tooth enamel.
Flossing can remove both the food stuck between teeth and also plaque. This in turn helps prevent the build-up of bacteria. As we know though, brushing alone cannot reach all the surfaces of your teeth. This is why we floss.
The attention given to flossing also helps to highlight any issues you may have with your teeth and gums early. Patients generally notice redness on their gums, soreness, and bleeding when flossing, sooner than those who do not floss. This is important as it can be a sign of gingivitis, which is an early sign of gum disease.
In simple terms, gingivitis occurs due to tartar build-up along the gum line. Like plaque, this is caused by bacteria on your teeth. If you brush your teeth well and floss in between, then there is a much lower chance of plaque and tartar buildup.
It is never too late to start flossing. If avoiding cavities and gum disease are not reason enough, flossing can also help prevent bad breath and in a study reported by CBS News, is also linked to living a longer life!
All it takes is a few minutes per day, which you can dedicate to your own wellbeing.
If you have any questions about how to floss your teeth or tips on how to do it more effectively, just ask us during your next visit to Koo Wee Rup Dental