We get it: flossing isn’t always the easiest or most enjoyable part of your hygiene regimen. This is probably why many people tend to avoid it. However, flossing every day is key to preventing tooth decay and severe gum disease, which can even lead to serious medical health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
So, while you may not like flossing every day, there are many excellent reasons why Levesque Dentistry in Nashua, NH, and dentists around the world are urging their patients to do it at least once a day. Levesque Dentistry wants you to know the top 7 reasons you should floss every day.
1. It prevents bad breath
When plaque is allowed to build up between teeth, the waste produced by the bacteria feeding on it causes bad breath. Removing the bacteria and the plaque it feeds on from between teeth can help prevent bad breath and preserve the health of your gums.
2. Flossing removes cavity-causing bacteria from hard-to-reach places
Did you know that the average human mouth is home to over 500 different bacteria species? Most of these microscopic organisms are harmless, but many of them cause tooth decay and cavities. Bacteria living between your teeth eat away at your enamel while they feed on plaque and food particles that become trapped there. This puts your health at risk.
3. It reduces your risk of gum disease
Bacteria not only cause cavities, but they can also cause you to develop gum disease. What starts out as a little bleeding when flossing can become severe decay and even tooth loss before you even notice other symptoms. Removing plaque and bacteria from between your teeth by flossing is a crucial step in preventing gum disease from developing.
4. Gum disease is directly linked to serious health problems
Gum disease can negatively impact your overall health in serious ways. Medical studies have found links between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Gum disease in pregnant women has been shown to lead to low birth weight in their infants. The best way to prevent gum disease is through a dental hygiene regimen that includes brushing and flossing. If you would like more information about how we diagnose and treat gum disease, see Periodontal Therapy.
5. Brushing alone only gets 60% of the plaque off of your teeth
While brushing is vital to having healthy, strong teeth, almost half of the plaque in your mouth cannot be removed by brushing alone. Around 40% of all plaque is actually between teeth and cannot be removed by with a standard toothbrush. Flossing, or some other form of interdental cleaning, is the only way to remove plaque from between teeth.
6. Flossing saves you money in the long run
By preventing gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, flossing can help save you money by helping you avoid needing complicated, uncomfortable, and expensive dental procedures. The easiest, cheapest way to prevent oral health problems is with a toothbrush and dental floss.
7. Your dentist will be proud of you
Your hygienist knows when you’ve been flossing! To score some extra points with your dentist at your appointment and avoid the flossing lecture, make sure you floss between your teeth every day. The effects will be noticeable.
Expert Dental Care in Nashua, NH
Levesque Dentistry is a respected dental provider in Nashua, NH that offers patients affordable, compassionate dental care in a professional and welcoming environment. To schedule an appointment with our office, call (603) 547-9203 or request your appointment online today!