Can you travel from one place to the next on a flat tire? Well, that’s how some dental experts describe attempting to maintain good oral health without flossing. Even though you may make it to your destination, it will be a very difficult ride. And, you will definitely damage your vehicle along the trip.
It seems as though many people have no problem following the “brush twice a day” rule. But, not as many follow the “floss twice a day” rule at all. Many people don’t floss at all, believing that brushing is enough to get the job done.
5 Benefits of Flossing Every Day
It’s baffling why so many people refuse to floss, since it really doesn’t take long at all. And, to top it off, it’s not a difficult task either.
If you ask them why, most will respond by asking you, “What’s the deal with flossing anyway?” Well, to answer that question, here are five good reasons why you need to floss each day:
1. Flossing Prevents Tartar Build-Up
Leaving plaque on your teeth leads to tartar, plain and simple. At first appearance, plaque is soft and sticky. During this point, plaque is really easy to remove by simply brushing your teeth.
Within several days of being left on your teeth, the plaque hardens and quickly becomes tartar. At this point, it takes more than brushing to remove plaque from in between your teeth and below your gum line. Only floss can reach these areas.
If you allow the plaque to build up even further, it will enter the tartar stage. If tartar builds up on your teeth, only a professional scraping by your dentist can get rid of it.
2. Keeps Teeth and Gums Healthy
Tiny food particles get stuck in between your teeth, as well as the places below your gum line where your teeth can no longer be seen. This is how plaque begins to form within your gums. Both tartar build-up and rotting food in these hidden places can cause gingivitis or inflamed gums.
In time, if gingivitis is not treated properly, it will grow into periodontitis. It’s at this point when both tooth loss and bone loss can begin to occur. That’s one reason why seeing your local dentist for regular check-ups is just as important and brushing and flossing. If periodontitis, gingivitis, tartar or plaque exist, your dentist will spot at during your check up and treat it immediately.
3. Flossing Helps to Fight All Oral Diseases
According to dental experts, the links between serious health conditions and an unhealthy mouth are quite clear. Some of the conditions believed to be linked to oral problems include:
- Respiratory problems
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
The bacterial colonies that team up to form periodontal disease have a tendency to compromise the immune system. This leads to other serious types of systemic diseases. Flossing decreases the chances of developing periodontal disease. This helps to prevent various other dangerous oral issues from developing as well.