Reasons to Floss Flossing can sometimes feel like a chore you just want to finish. However, in reality, flossing is a key component of an overall dental hygiene routine. It can make all the difference in maintaining your teeth for long-term dental health. At Gresham Dental Excellence our dental professionals Dr. Gary S. Cooke and Dr. Cooke recommend our patients floss daily for the following reasons. Flossing Prevents CavitiesAccording to Dr. Cooke, flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene and helps prevent cavities. While brushing is essential to remove plaque and food particles from the surface of teeth, flossing goes a step further. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line, areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Over time, if plaque is allowed to build up in these areas, it can lead to cavities. Cavities are small holes or openings that can develop in the teeth due to decay caused by bacteria and acid. If left untreated, cavities can grow and spread deeper into the tooth, causing pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Freshens BreathFlossing daily can freshen your breath. When food particles and debris get stuck between your teeth, they can begin to decompose and give off an unpleasant odor. Flossing helps remove these particles, preventing them from breaking down and causing bad breath. Moreover, it cleanses the areas that are hard to reach by a toothbrush, such as plaque buildup or bacteria between teeth or below the gum line, which is also a source of bad breath. Reduces Risk of Heart DiseaseRecent studies have shown a positive link between oral health and heart disease. Regular flossing has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease, which is the number one cause of death worldwide. When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to inflammation and infection in the gum tissue. The bacteria can then enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, causing inflammation in the coronary arteries. This can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart muscle. By removing plaque and bacteria from the areas between teeth and along the gum line, flossing can prevent the development of gum disease. Reduces Risk of Periodontal DiseasePeriodontal disease is one of the most common dental issues people experience. Gingivitis, for example, is a mild form of gum disease characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums, while periodontitis is a more severe type that causes bone and tissue loss around the teeth. Periodontal disease is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth surfaces. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar, which can cause irreversible damage to the gums and teeth. As per Dr. Gary S. Cooke, a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of periodontal diseases is daily flossing. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line, areas that toothbrushes cannot reach. Moreover, it stimulates the gums and promotes blood flow, which helps to prevent inflammation and bleeding. |
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