Flossing is a frequently skipped step of a home oral health routine, yet flossing every day can help prevent serious health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and heart problems — not to mention severe gum disease.
While you may not enjoy having to floss every day, there are many reasons why so many dentists urge patients to do it at least once a day. Dr. Tom Trinkner, a respected dentist in Columbia, SC wants you to know the top 7 reasons to floss every day.
1. Flossing removes cavity-causing bacteria from hard-to-reach places
Did you know that over 500 different species of microscopic bacteria live in your mouth? It’s true! Most of these are harmless, but some can cause cavities if not removed. These bacteria that live in between your teeth can cause cavities there by eating the plaque that can build up between meals, which puts your oral health and overall health at risk.
2. It prevents bad breath
When bacteria are allowed to flourish in the mouth, the acids they produce cause bad breath. Removing the bacteria and leftover food particles will preserve gum health while also preventing bad breath.
3. Brushing alone only removes 60% of the plaque off of your teeth
While brushing your teeth is vital to your oral health, nearly half of the plaque in your mouth cannot be removed by brushing alone. Around 40% of plaque is actually hiding between teeth and cannot be reached with a toothbrush. Flossing, or some other form of interdental cleaning, is necessary to remove plaque from between teeth.
4. It reduces your risk of gum disease
Bacteria cause cavities by eating plaque and the tooth enamel it is stuck on, but they can also irritate and inflame your gum tissue and even cause gum disease. What starts out as just a little bleeding can eventually lead to severe decay, loose teeth or even lost teeth without you even noticing other symptoms. Regularly removing plaque from between teeth is an important step in keeping gum disease from progressing.
5. Gum disease is directly linked to serious health problems
Gum disease can also negatively impact your health in serious ways. New research has shown links between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, and it has already been established that it’s linked to low birth weight in babies and cardiovascular problems. The best way to prevent gum disease is by maintaining a routine of daily brushing and flossing.
6. Flossing saves you money in the long run
By preventing gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, flossing can prevent you from needing complex, uncomfortable, and expensive dental procedures. A toothbrush and some dental floss are way less expensive than a filling, tooth extraction or root canal therapy..
7. Your dental team will be proud of you
Your dental hygienist knows when you actually floss and when you’re just saying you do! To score some extra points at the dentist, clean between your teeth with floss every day and avoid a lecture AND dental issues.
Expert Dental Care in Columbia, SC
Dr. Trinkner is an experienced dentist in Columbia who offers patients comprehensive, compassionate dental care in a professional and welcoming environment. To schedule an appointment with our office, call 803-400-8729 or request your appointment online today!