Flossing is an often-overlooked step of an oral health routine, yet flossing every day is key to preventing serious health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and heart problems — not to mention severe gum disease.
While you may not like flossing every day, there are many reasons why so many dentists urge patients to do it at least once a day. Dr. Datta Malyavantham of Ridgetop Dental Group in Northern VA wants you to know the top 7 reasons to floss every day.
1. It prevents bad breath
When bacteria is allowed to build up between teeth, the acids they produce causes bad breath. Removing the bacteria and leftover food particles from between teeth will prevent bad breath and preserve gum health.
2. Flossing removes cavity-causing bacteria from hard-to-reach places
Did you know that over 500 different bacteria species live in the mouth? Most of these are harmless, but many of them cause cavities. Bacteria that live in between your teeth can cause cavities there, which puts your oral health at risk.
3. It reduces your risk of gum disease
Bacteria cause cavities, but they can also cause gum disease. What starts out as a little bleeding can turn into severe decay and tooth loss without you even noticing other symptoms. Regularly removing plaque from between teeth is a critical step in keeping gum disease from progressing.
4. Gum disease is directly linked to serious health problems
Gum disease can also negatively affect your health in serious ways. New studies are finding links between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, and it has already been established that it’s linked to low birth weight in babies and cardiovascular problems. The best way to prevent gum disease is through regular brushing and flossing.
5. Brushing alone only gets 60% of the plaque off of your teeth
While brushing is important to your oral health, almost half of the plaque that needs to be removed cannot be removed by brushing alone. Around 40% of plaque is actually between teeth and cannot be removed by brushing. 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 preventing you from needing complex, uncomfortable, and expensive dental procedures. The easiest, cheapest way to prevent oral health problems is with a toothbrush and some dental floss.
7. Your dentist will be proud of you
Your hygienist knows when you actually floss and when you don’t! To make sure you score some extra points at your dental visit and avoid the flossing lecture, make sure you clean between your teeth every day. The effects will be noticeable.
Expert Dental Care in Northern Virginia
Dr. Datta is an experienced dentist in Northern Virginia who offers patients affordable, compassionate dental care in a professional and welcoming environment. To schedule an appointment with our office, call us or request your appointment online today!