Many people do not like to floss for various reasons. Some people assume food never gets stuck on their teeth; therefore, they see no need to floss, whereas others find the process awkward and annoying. Flossing on a daily basis is vital in maintaining dental health. It helps to remove sticky bacteria or plaque from areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. When correctly done, flossing is quick and easy. Brushing alone is not enough; however, it plays a significant role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy when accompanied by routine flossing.
Below are five benefits of flossing
• Removal of plaque
Plaque is a colorless or pale yellow substance that forms on your teeth and along the gumline. Plaque contains bacteria and is the root cause of many dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. The bacteria in plaque produce acid that can be damaging to your tooth enamel. When plaque is left to accumulate, it forms a hard, yellow substance known as tartar which can only be removed by a dental specialist. https://www.losgatosfamilydentistry.com/ It is essential to understand that the full value of flossing is achieved by doing it every day. Daily flossing reduces the amount of plaque formed on your teeth and along your gums.
• Prevents bad breath
A foul odor can arise from food particles stuck between your teeth or on the tongue. Bad breath is an oral issue that can be a symptom of a dental problem such as gum disease or tooth decay. Good dental hygiene practices such as proper brushing and flossing can help dislodge food particles trapped between your teeth and prevent bad breath. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-flossing#benefits
• Reduces risk of cavities
It is inevitable for food particles to get trapped in your teeth. Food lodged between your teeth promotes bacterial growth. If you do not practice proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing, you could suffer dental problems like cavities. The bacteria present in the mouth feed on the sugars present in the foods you consume, converting them into acid. The resulting acid damages your tooth enamel. Repeated exposure to acid causes the tooth enamel to decay further, eventually causing holes in your teeth known as cavities. The more plaque deposits you have on your teeth, the greater the risk of developing cavities. Dental problems like this can be avoided by regular flossing.
• Prevents gum disease
Bacteria in your mouth not only cause harm to your teeth and gums; it also affects the gum tissue and the bone that supports your teeth. Routine flossing reduces your risk of gum disease by preventing the accumulation of plaque. When you do not look after your teeth, you allow plaque to build up, resulting in gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. During this stage, you are likely to experience bleeding on brushing and flossing. Fortunately, the condition can be improved as the damage is not extensive. However, if gingivitis is not treated, it causes a more severe infection known as periodontitis. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/to-floss-or-not-to-floss
• Promotes heart health
Flossing benefits extend way beyond your gums. Some scientific research has linked poor oral health to cardiovascular disease. Poor oral health increases the risk of bacterial infection in the bloodstream. The bacteria responsible for causing gingivitis and periodontitis seeps through the root of your tooth and enters your bloodstream. It is carried to other parts of the body, including the heart’s arteries causing blood vessel inflammation and damage, heart attack, blood clots, and stroke. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease
