Still Not Flossing? Here Are 5 Reasons Why You Should

Research statistics show that only 41 percent of adults in America floss daily, and 20 percent never floss. Flossing, or interdental cleaning, sanitizes parts of your teeth that are hard to reach when brushing.

Typical tooth brushing helps remove bacteria in most areas of your teeth and gum. But there are parts your toothbrush cannot reach—the interdental areas. To ensure that these spaces are clean, you must floss or use an interdental brush. Below are five reasons why that is important.

To Remove Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque is a doughy, sticky layer that collects on the teeth's outer surface, along the gum line, and between teeth. As the plaque mixes with the contents of your saliva, it gradually hardens into yellow-brown tartar, which is harder to extract.

Brushing can often stop plaque and tartar from accumulating on your teeth, but not necessarily between the teeth. When plaque and tartar amass on your teeth, they attract bacteria that leave you at risk of developing gum disease.

To Fight Periodontal or Gum Disease

Gum disease is a severe dental illness that can destroy your gums and jawbone. It starts with the growth of bacterial plaque and tartar in your mouth, which, if not treated, may result in tooth loss. The disease may also put you at risk for lung and heart diseases.

Poor dental hygiene, such as not cleaning and flossing daily, makes it easier for gum disease to develop.

To Prevent Tooth Decay and Lower the Risk of Cavities

Tooth decay happens when bacteria release chemicals that slowly eat away at your teeth, leaving them to rot. That decay can cause cavities, which form tiny holes in your enamel. The process is gradual, and the more bacterial plaque you have in your teeth, the more likely you are to develop cavities.

Flossing every day can help remove buried food debris and plaque. Reducing your risk of tooth decay and cavities.

To Stamp Out Bad Breath

Check your interdental areas if your breath is still foul-smelling even after brushing your teeth. To check, close your teeth and try to push air through the spaces between your teeth. If you catch a foul smell, you have food stuck between your teeth that is slowly decaying.

Every tooth has five sides. If you are not flossing, you are leaving two sides dirty, which may contribute to bad breath.

To Promote Dental Hygiene and Overall Health

Good oral hygiene does not only benefit your teeth and gums. It also boosts your overall health and well-being.

Studies show that people who stick to high standards of dental hygiene have a lower risk of diabetes, heart failure, lung disease, and even dementia. Additionally, good dental hygiene may reduce the risk of pre-term birth and low-birth-weight newborns. Experts believe that the inflammation that comes with gum disease may trigger or aggravate these health issues.

To conclude, flossing is equally as vital as brushing. You cannot be in good physical shape without a healthy mouth.

For more reasons why you should floss, visit John K. See, DDS, at our office in Camarillo, California. Call (805) 920-8600 to book an appointment today.