Flossing regularly is a huge part of an adequate oral hygiene routine. The American Dental Association encourages Americans to never skip flossing, as it’s essential to cleaning the crevices of the teeth that a toothbrush is incapable of reaching. Here are 4 reasons why you need to floss your teeth, and how to do it properly:
4 Reasons Why You Need to Floss Your Teeth Daily
Nobody wants to be caught with food stuck in between their teeth; flossing after each meal can eliminate any surprise leftovers! In addition to keeping a food-free smile, flossing reaps several benefits for your oral and overall health.
1. Flossing Eliminates Plaque
Plaque is a clear, sticky film that coats the teeth when oral bacteria mix with sugar and starch found in common, everyday foods. In addition, plaque is known for attacking the tooth enamel and forming cavities. Plaque can also be removed from the surface of teeth by thorough brushing. However, a toothbrush can’t reach the areas between teeth. Flossing helps to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places, saving you from surprise cavities in the future.
2. Flossing Prevents Gum Disease
Food particles can easily become caught in the gumline, becoming a trap for plaque. These two factors can not only erode tooth enamel, but the bacteria can infect the gumline. Flossing well helps to remove any plaque and food particles trapped around the gums.
3. Flossing Helps Keep Away Bad Breath
Bad breath is one of the most common oral conditions known to Americans. Bad breath can stem from food becoming trapped between teeth. If left alone, it can begin to rot over time, causing one’s breath to become unpleasant. Cavities and gum disease are also contributors to bad breath. Flossing regularly removes food particles from the teeth, helps keep away oral health problems, and keeps breath fresh.
4. Flossing May Keep Your Heart Healthy
Proper dental hygiene doesn’t only benefit your mouth; it’s been hypothesized that a healthy smile contributes to a healthy heart! In a 2019 study, researchers found that participants who flossed regularly had a significantly reduced risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
How to Floss the Right Way
At Winn Smiles, we recommend flossing at least once a day. You can floss any time of the day – before or after brushing your teeth. Follow these steps for a flawless flossing experience:
- Take about 18 inches of floss between both pointer fingers and thumbs, holding it tightly for stability.
- Gently guide the floss between the teeth in a rubbing motion – never forcefully.
- Follow the shape and curvature of each tooth, including the gumline. Be thorough! Repeat throughout the mouth, and be sure to remember your back molars
- When you’re finished, throw away the floss – never reuse it.
You can repeat this process once or twice a day to strengthen your oral hygiene routine; we guarantee your dentist will be impressed!
Ready to take care of your teeth? Click here to make your appointment with one of our experienced local dentists!