Why Do I Need to Floss Every Day?

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We know that lots of people don’t love flossing, but it’s a key step to your oral hygiene routine to prevent serious health problems. Gum disease is linked to Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease, and flossing is one of the most effective ways to prevent it.

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 at Ridgetop Dental Group in Northern VA wants you to know the top 7 reasons to floss every day.

1. Prevent bad breath

The acids produced by oral bacteria create a foul-smelling byproduct that causes bad breath. Removing the bacteria and leftover food between teeth will not only get rid of the bacteria, but removing food particles will get rid of what they feed on to cause bad breath.

2. Flossing removes cavity-causing bacteria from hard-to-reach places

Over 500 different bacteria species live in the mouth, most of which are harmless. Unfortunately for your oral health, those acids that cause bad breath also erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. Although most bacteria in the mouth are harmless, many of them cause cavities if left on the teeth.

3. Reduce risk of gum disease

Avoiding gum disease is a reason to floss every day, if you ask your dentist! 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. Avoid the health problems associated with gum disease

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. Flossing removes 40% of the plaque on 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. Your at-home oral hygiene routine is the cheapest form of care

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.

Comprehensive Dental Care in Northern VA

Ridgetop Dental Group is proud to offer 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!

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