After a night out, there’s nothing else you’d want to do than hop in bed and conk out until morning. Besides, skipping your oral hygiene routine just once can’t hurt anyway, right? Well, no, but when one turns into several missed days, that’s when it becomes a problem. Everyone knows about the importance of brushing and flossing daily, yet few regularly incorporate flossing into their routine. Writing off this essential step may save you a few minutes but at the expense of several health benefits. Read on for a few reasons why flossing is important to a comprehensive preventive dentistry routine.
Flossing Prevents Tooth Decay
Cavities aren’t only caused by frequently eating sugar. Poor oral hygiene is another factor that can lead to dental decay. If left untreated, it can lead to severe discomfort, infection, and tooth loss. Flossing helps remove any food and bacteria hiding in the crevices between your teeth, preventing decay from starting in those areas.
Brushing Removes Just 60% of Plaque
Contrary to popular belief, brushing alone is not enough to remove plaque from your teeth. Around 40% of plaque is between your teeth—and flossing is the only way to get into those hard-to-reach areas. If it’s not removed regularly, it can start to solidify within 72 hours and harden into tartar after around 10 to 12 days. Minimizing buildup is essential to prevent dental problems, such as swollen gums, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
Your Gums Will Stop Bleeding
Some people avoid flossing altogether because it makes their gums bleed. However, this is an indicator that you’re not flossing enough. Regularly flossing keeps the bacteria from your gum line to a minimum, so your body won’t send red blood cells to the area to fight the infection. If you’re struggling with bloody gums, start incorporating floss into your daily routine! After a few days, the inflammation will go down, and the bleeding should stop.
Flossing Lowers Your Risk of Gum Disease
Flossing is the best method for cleaning all the nooks and crannies in your mouth. If you’re not thoroughly cleaning these small areas, you’re leaving your mouth more prone to gum disease. Pregnant women must floss because gum disease is associated with prematurity and low birth weight. So, if you’re expecting, make sure to keep your gums healthy to avoid any complications during birth!
Removing Buildup Prevents Bad Breath
Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common reasons behind bad breath. Allowing bacteria to build up between the teeth produces digestive acids that cause bad breath. Flossing helps remove the bacteria and debris hiding in these crevices, helping your mouth feel and smell as fresh as ever.
Common Questions About Flossing
How often should I floss?
Oral health experts recommend flossing at least once a day, usually before bed. This clears any food particles or plaque that has accumulated throughout the day, giving your gums a clean slate while you sleep.
Does it matter what type of floss I use?
The best floss to use is the one that keeps you consistent. Waxed, unwaxed, tape, picks, and water flossers all work well when used correctly. So, if you have trouble with traditional string floss, a water flosser is just as good to keep your smile plaque-free and reduce gum inflammation.
Is it too late to start flossing if I have bleeding gums?
Not at all. Bleeding gums are a symptom of gum disease, but its earliest stage, gingivitis, is completely treatable. In fact, consistent flossing is one of the best ways to resolve it. In most cases, your gums will stop bleeding within a week or two of establishing a regular flossing habit.
Remember these benefits the next time you contemplate skipping the floss. Routine dental visits combined with a solid at-home oral hygiene routine can keep your smile bright and healthy for years to come.
About the Practice
Robison Dental Group provides a luxurious and reliable dental experience designed to exceed expectations. Our team has a passion for maintaining high ethical standards and providing treatment to improve your oral health and quality of life. We can help you enjoy a happy, healthy smile for as long as possible with preventive care. To schedule a cleaning or checkup, visit our website or call (734) 292-8583.