5 Benefits of Flossing Your Teeth

We all know flossing is important. It’s been drilled into our heads by teachers, dentists, babysitters, parents, guardians, grandparents, etc. probably since before any of us can actually remember. We’re supposed to floss at least once a day.

If you grew up in an even more dedicated family, you were probably told to floss once in the morning and then again before bed. When you were little you may have “flossed” just to keep your mom happy. For some, those habits may have stuck with you as an adult, but we also all know someone who only flosses right before their dentist appointment twice a year. Side note: this habit won’t fool your dentist, but it can have detrimental effects on your dental health. Having a clean mouth isn’t just about fighting bad breath. It can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even some mental health ailments. 

Here are a few perks of flossing regularly that might motivate you to stick with (or pick up) regular flossing habits.

Flossing keeps your gums healthier.

Not only does flossing keep your teeth clean, it is protecting your gums as well. After you eat, if your food gets lodged between your tooth and gum it can become plaque. When plaque hardens it can become tartar. Tartar is something only dentists can remove with scrapers. If left untreated, tartar can cause gum disease.

Regular flossing can even help you save money.

Flossing and brushing daily can help prevent further expenses down the road. Who doesn’t like their breath to smell great and some extra cash?

Flossing every day can prevent disease.

Bacteria growth and diseases of the teeth, gums, and mouth have been linked to increased chances of being diagnosed with certain forms of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Just spending a little extra time on your teeth, gums, and mouth each day will help keep your oral and heart health in check. 

Flossing prevents tartar build-up.

Flossing helps prevent plaque before it hardens and becomes tartar. Flossing can reach those places a toothbrush can’t. At Smile Sensations Dental, we can show you the most effective ways to floss to make sure you don’t have any tartar buildup between visits.

Flossing is more effective than brushing alone.

You may think since you brush your teeth twice a day that you can skip flossing altogether. Unfortunately, you’d be mistaken. Flossing actually helps remove plaque from tight spaces where toothbrushes can’t reach. And with less plaque on your teeth, your toothbrush and toothpaste can do their jobs even better.

Brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet are all important for your oral health, but those alone aren’t enough to skimp on routine cleanings and check-ups!