You’ve heard it a million times from your mom and your dentist: floss your teeth every night before bed. Yet 1 in 3 Americans adults never floss their teeth. Although you can’t always see the immediate results from flossing, failure to floss can result in serious dental health problems.
The following are just a few of the many benefits associated with flossing:
Cleans your entire tooth
Although brushing your teeth is important, even the best of toothbrushes can only clean the front and back of your teeth. Toothbrush bristles never reach the space between your teeth, allowing trapped food and bacteria to fester.
Prevents plaque buildup
Flossing removes 40% of plaque from your teeth. It only takes 48 hours for plaque to bind to your teeth. And when that happens, the plaque can only be removed by professional cleaning.
Plaque generates acid that can cause cavities, gum irritation, and gum disease. Regular flossing also helps prevent bad breath resulting from plaque buildup.
Keeps you healthy
Gum disease affects more than just your mouth. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other illnesses can be caused or exacerbated by gum disease. By attacking the bones in your lower jaw and ravaging your gums and teeth, gum disease can ruin your smile and even your facial structure.
A little bit of dental floss can go a long way. With regular flossing and other dental health practices, you can drastically reduce the chances of gum disease forming.
Strengthens your teeth
Flossing will help keep your teeth strong, healthy, and cavity-free. The bacteria, food, and sugar rotting between the teeth can lead to painful cavities.
Help your children develop dental care habits by teaching them how to floss as soon as two of their teeth grow together. Flossing regularly as children and adults will save you time and money on your teeth.
If it’s been awhile since you’ve flossed, your gums may bleed at first. But with regular upkeep, the bleeding will subside. If your gums continue bleeding for a week or more, contact your dentist.
At Cannon Park Dental, we want your smile to be beautiful, strong, and healthy. Make an appointment at CPD today – your teeth will thank you!