We know that look–the one where patients look sheepishly around the room when they’re asked if they floss. Yes, you’re not the only patient we’ve had that hasn’t flossed in weeks, months, or even years. We’ve also heard all the excuses: “It hurts my gums,” “I always forget,” and even “The dog ate my floss.” We will always aim to encourage all of our patients to do what they can to improve their oral health. Why are we so committed to promoting flossing? This simple activity can make a world of difference in the future of your dental health.
What Benefits Can You Expect If You Flossing Twice Daily?
1. Having a More Attractive Smile and Better Breath
Flossing can brighten your teeth and reduce gum redness and swelling. When you don’t floss, your teeth can more easily become discolored. Plaque creates a rough surface that holds onto microscopic food particles, which can often cast an unattractive hue on your teeth.
Once plaque turns into tartar, you have a more long-lasting yellow problem to worry about. Tartar can accumulate along your gum line and between your teeth and often appears yellow or even brown.
Because flossing removes tartar, your gums will be a healthy, glowing pink rather than a painful, puffy red. When you don’t have tartar, you also have less surface for food to cling to. This means you’re less likely to have bad breath leftover from your leftovers. Removing bacteria along the gumline also improves your breath.
And, let’s be honest. When you have a smile to be proud of, you smile more.
2. Flossing Can Improve Your Overall Health
In addition to improving your self-esteem by giving you a brighter smile, flossing also has a hidden impact on your overall health. Preliminary studies show gum disease is linked to heart disease.
How is your heart connected to your gums? As your body sends white blood cells to fight off bacteria caused by plaque, these cells also erode your gum line. This creates a backdoor to your bloodstream that bacteria can slip through. From there bacteria take the journey to your heart and other organs.
Furthermore, when you floss, you’re less likely to develop an infection. This reduces inflammatory substances in the blood which can cause blood clots.
3. Regular Flossing Can Save Your Teeth
You likely know that flossing improves your oral health, but you may not know how much it benefits your teeth and gums.
Flossing cleans away plaque, which, if given the opportunity to harden, can wear away your gums and lead to tooth loss. This can be quite costly, both for your wallet and your self-esteem.
Cleaning out the debris from between your teeth after eating also reduces gum sensitivity and reduces the risk of cavities.
One, Two, Three, FLOSS!
If you have been skipping flossing, it’s time to recommit to positive dental habits. Make flossing a non-negotiable and your mouth will thank you. We will also give you a high-five the next time we see you.
Has it been a while since you’ve been in to see us? Schedule an appointment now. We can get your flossing routine started with a clean slate. Just give us a call or book online.
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