From a young age, you have been told that you need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every night, but are you really following that advice? You may brush as recommended, but if you are like 4 out of 10 Americans, you probably do not floss every day. If you are skipping this part of your nightly routine, you are placing your oral and general health at risk. Although you may view it as a chore, it provides many excellent benefits. By adding it into your routine, your dentist in Cary will be able to notice the difference in the health of your smile.
1. Remove Plaque Buildup
Your toothbrush is effective for removing harmful plaque and food particle accumulations from the surfaces of your teeth. Unfortunately, even with the best brushing techniques, there are still areas in the mouth where your toothbrush cannot reach, like around the gum line or in between the teeth. The only way to clean these areas is with dental floss.
If you do not take the time to floss, you allow plaque to accumulate, which will turn into tartar. Tartar harbors the bacteria that is responsible for gum disease. With 50% of adults having a form of the infection, you can reduce your risk by flossing each night before going to bed.
2. Stop Bleeding Gums
Often, many people avoid flossing because it can cause their gums to bleed. This should not be a sign that you need to stop. Instead, it should indicate that you need to floss more. The bleeding is due to inflammation in the tissue that is caused by gum disease. At this point, you can stop the infection from worsening by improving your oral hygiene habits, like flossing each day.
3. Improve Your Overall Health
Your mouth is the gateway to your general health. If gum disease develops, it can lead to serious health complications. The bacteria responsible for the infection can enter the bloodstream. As it circulates throughout the body, it significantly increases your risk for health complications, like cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and Alzheimer’s disease. Flossing will help to keep your mouth healthy to improve your health overall.
4. Keep Your Teeth Strong
Gum disease will cause the supporting structures near your mouth to deteriorate. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss. By reducing your risk for gum disease, you will keep your teeth strong and healthy to ensure that they last for a lifetime.
Get a Healthy Smile Today
If you have failed to floss your teeth daily in the past, it is never too late to start. Commit to your oral health by taking the time to brush twice a day and floss every night before going to bed.
About Dr. Darren Koch
Dr. Darren Koch is your trusted Cary dentist for complete dental care. He combines art, science, psychology, and dentistry to promote healthy, beautiful smiles. If you develop the first signs of gum disease, do not wait until it is too late. Contact our office today for periodontal therapy.
