4 Important Reasons to Floss Your Teeth

Much like removing your makeup before bed, paying your taxes, and stopping at the gas station on the way home from work, flossing is one of those things that while you know you must do it, you may not always want to. Unfortunately, however, skipping a night here or there can be bad enough on its own, but the real danger is that it could eventually lead to avoiding this important step altogether. After all, if you don’t see any food stuck between your teeth, shouldn’t brushing be enough? The truth is, flossing does more than just make your smile look better, it has several powerful overall and oral health benefits you shouldn’t ignore. Here’s a closer look at why you should never skip your flossing routine, even if you can’t see a reason to do it!

Cavity Prevention

Flossing removes bacteria, plaque, and food particles from between the teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. In fact, did you know that brushing alone misses up to 30 percent of the surface of the teeth? Unfortunately, however, some people only seem to floss when they know there’s a problem. Yes, it’s very helpful to be able to remove an annoying popcorn hull or tiny piece of broccoli, but just because you can’t see or feel the debris doesn’t mean it’s not there and it’s not dangerous! Regularly flossing (once a day, preferably before bed) keeps the spaces between the teeth clean, reducing the risk of interproximal cavities.

Gum Disease Protection

Because flossing can reach along and below the gumline to reduce plaque buildup, it can help you prevent dangerous              conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, both of which can lead to inflammation, bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath (halitosis), and even tooth loss.

Better Breath

The food you eat may smell delicious coming out of the oven, but it doesn’t have the same effect after it’s been trapped between your teeth all day. That’s because as it decomposes in your mouth, it begins to emit a foul odor, causing bad breath. Flossing clears away these deposits of debris, so your teeth not only look and feel cleaner, but your breath smells fresher, too!

Overall Health Benefits

In addition to the incredible benefits to your oral health, flossing can also promote excellent overall health, too. That’s because it prevents harmful oral bacteria from entering the bloodstream, thereby reducing your risk of a variety of systemic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Remember, while yes, it’s true that regular flossing can make your teeth look great, it also has many hidden benefits to your oral and overall health. So, while it’s normal to be tired at the end of the day and even understandable to want to skip the nighttime oral hygiene routine and head straight to bed, it’s extremely important to take time to ensure your teeth and gums are clean and healthy first. Doing so will not only make your smile look better, but it will also make your entire body feel better, from top to toe!

About Our Practice

At Dental Expressions, Dr. Robert (Bob) Heil and Dr. Heather Heil want to help you achieve your most beautiful smile, but don’t discount the importance of a solid at-home oral hygiene routine! Protect your clean, healthy teeth by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting us every six months for your regular preventive exam and cleaning. Is it time for your next visit? Visit our website or call us today at 920-788-6280 to make your appointment.