When was the last time you flossed? If you don’t know the answer to this question, it’s time to pull the floss out from the back of your bathroom drawer. Flossing is essential to your oral health. Here two reasons why you shouldn’t forget to floss!
Prevents Gum Disease
Flossing is the single most important factor in preventing gum disease. Gum disease occurs when bacteria in your mouth continue to grow and begins to destroy the tissue surrounding your teeth. Flossing is beneficial for gum disease because it gets down in between your teeth where your toothbrush might not reach. It helps to remove any food particles, debris, and plaque to prevent future buildup and damage. Besides your dentist, who has special tools, floss is one of the only tools you have at home to get in between your teeth. You should floss daily to lower your chances of gum disease.
Fresh Breath
A great way to ensure you have fresh breath is by flossing your teeth. Leftover food and plaque buildup can lead to bacteria growth and bad breath. Did you know that up to 35 percent of your teeth’s surfaces remain unclean when you only brush with a toothbrush. The areas are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, plaque, tartar, and bad breath! Flossing is the best way to get to your teeth’ remaining areas you cannot reach with your toothbrush.
It’s important to know how to floss your teeth properly so you don’t cause any damage to your gums. Make sure to use a fresh piece of floss every day and go about it gently. You want to get in between your teeth but not with so much force you’ll hurt yourself. If your gums bleed the first few times you floss, that is normal. If your gums continue to bleed and don’t stop, consult your dentist to ensure everything is okay. To learn more about why you shouldn’t forget to floss, contact Westmoreland Dental Group! At Westmoreland, we offer various services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, therapy options, and so much more!