Do You Really Need to Floss?
“You don’t have to floss all of your teeth. Just the ones you want to keep.”
Most people follow the recommendation of brushing their teeth twice a day, but only a few follow the advice of flossing their teeth regularly. Why? Some say it’s time consuming and others don’t really know the exact importance of flossing.
What a lot of people don’t know is that flossing plays an important role in our dental health. Even though brushing the teeth cleans the outer surfaces and a mouthwash can help kill the bacteria that form plaque, flossing is the only thing that can remove tartar and food particles stuck in the tight spaces between the teeth and in the gum line. That’s why it is called an interdental cleaner.
Brushing our teeth and flossing regularly amounts to more than just having a healthy smile. Having great oral health can help prevent more serious diseases that can be life threatening if left untreated.
Improve Overall Health
Dental health is closely related to the overall health of a person. Several studies have linked heart disease to poor oral health. “Oral health and heart disease are connected by the spread of bacteria – and other germs – from your mouth to other parts of your body through the bloodstream. When these bacteria reach the heart, they can attach themselves to any damaged area and cause inflammation”, according to Colgate.
Gingivitis and Cavities
Two major dental problems that can arise when you don’t floss is having cavities between your teeth and gingivitis. Dental plaque is full of bacteria and this will lead to gum tissue irritation causing it to bleed easily which breeds more bacteria and will likely develop gingivitis. These harmful bacteria will slowly destroy the enamel between your teeth and before you know it, cavities are starting to form.
Which comes first – brushing or flossing?
To keep your mouth and body healthy, make sure to brush your teeth and floss regularly as recommended and complement it with a routine dental check up.
But which should come first? Brushing or flossing?
There is no right sequence as long as you’re brushing and flossing right.
Make sure to floss before you go to sleep to remove any food debris and plaque between the teeth and in the gum line. If food particles are not removed after a certain time, gum tissue will become inflamed and early stages of gum disease will occur.
Preventive Measures
Make flossing a habit by making it readily available. Put a dental floss near your toothbrush, inside your bag and even in your vanity kit.
Having an excellent oral hygiene and dental examinations are the best way to combat gum disease even in its early stages.
Do you have any questions about flossing or any concerns regarding oral health? Here at South Anchorage Dental Center, we provide the highest quality dental services. We would be happy to answer your queries and any questions that you might have. Call our office today!
