You don’t need to be told to brush your teeth; it’s something you do on your own and rather consistently. The area of dental hygiene where you’re struggling is flossing. Is it really that important, though? Your local dentist in Copperas Cove says flossing should be a pillar of your routine. Continue reading to find out why and learn about its preventive benefits!
The 2 Main Components of Effective Dental Hygiene
Billions of bacteria can be found in your mouth at any given time, which means there is always a threat of tooth and gum decay. The two most important activities are toothbrushing and flossing, as they complement each other perfectly. If either cleaning method is skipped, you’re subject to tooth and gum decay.
The Benefits of Flossing
Dental floss has a flexible and accommodating shape. Thus, it can get into the close spaces between the teeth. Here are the benefits of performing a thorough cleaning:
Plaque Prevention
If allowed to grow uncontrolled, bacteria can quickly turn into plaque. Shortly after eating a meal, the hardening process starts, which is why it’s so important to perform dental hygiene within 30 minutes of eating or drinking. Doing so prevents plaque from releasing corrosive fluids that wear down tooth enamel and gum tissue.
The Prevention of Gum Disease
When plaque growth is ignored, it can eventually settle beneath the gum line to cause germ pockets to form, inflammation and bleeding. These are some of the early warning signs of gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease). By taking swift action and making flossing a priority, you can possibly avoid permanent damage and rejuvenate your gum tissue.
As a point of emphasis, whenever you experience gum bleeding, you should bring it to a dentist’s attention so you can be examined.
Stronger Teeth
Flossing ensures that your teeth will remain strong and healthy. Toothbrushing can only clean around 60% of the surface of your teeth, but with floss being able to get into the tight spaces between them, you’ll also have healthy gums that fit tightly around the base of your teeth so they can remain stable and functional.
Better Overall Health
Because plaque can travel to other parts of the body, the benefits of flossing extend beyond the mouth. By flossing on a regular basis, you can prevent plaque from traveling to the heart and causing life-threatening blockage. Additionally, cleaning between your teeth can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure and cancer.
Now that you know why flossing is important, you may be wondering where you should start. You can begin by flossing once a day – consistently. Then, work your way up to twice daily. Therefore, at your next dental visit, you can find out just how effective your efforts have been. Ultimately, you can expect much better oral and overall health – two results that matter!
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Caraveo is a graduate of the Baylor College of Dentistry. Throughout his career, he has encouraged his patients to practice effective and consistent at-home dental care, as he understands its many benefits. Additionally, Dr. Caraveo takes the time during preventive visits to explain proper techniques and best practices. He helps patients experience the utmost in oral health at Benchmark Family Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.