You probably are asked by your dentist every visit – are you flossing every day? Flossing your teeth may seem like an annoying, unnecessary step but it actually has plenty of benefits you might not know about.
Reasons to Floss
It’s best to think of flossing as an addition to brushing your teeth – they work great together!
- Flossing prevents tartar build-up. It’s super easy for plaque to accumulate on your teeth. When plaque is left unremoved, it can harden into tartar. Flossing will help remove plaque from between your teeth and prevent formation at the gum line.
- Flossing can prevent bad breath. Food can get trapped in between your teeth and in the gum line that contains bacteria and that causes an unpleasant smell. Flossing can help remove any food that is wedged in between your teeth, keeping your breath fresh.
- Flossing prevents gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, it can be a painful condition that includes symptoms like bleeding or swollen gums. Gingivitis allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream and attack your organs, which can result in heart disease or blood clots. A simple way to prevent gingivitis is by flossing regularly, by removing the plaque buildup on the gum line that leads to gingivitis.
- Flossing can help control diabetes. When bacteria in your mouth builds up without being removed through flossing, it can affect the glucose levels of your blood, which is a major problem if you have diabetes.
- Flossing can reduce the risk of respiratory disease. It can become a problem when bacteria from the mouth travels down your throat to the respiratory system, leading to respiratory disease.
Your Dentist Knows Best
If you’ve missed out on flossing recently, don’t worry – your dentist is able to remove some built-up plaque during your regular cleanings. If you’re in the Denver area looking for a dentist, 38th Modern Dental is currently accepting new patients and following COVID guidelines to keep staff and patients safe. Contact us today!