5 Reasons Why You Should Floss Every Day

floss teeth​​​​​​​
  • By Courthouse Art of Dentistry
  • December 13, 2022

    • A good dental care routine is essential to maintaining good dental health. Other than regular dental cleanings throughout the year, it would be best if you had a thorough routine for yourself at home. Most doctors recommend brushing twice a day and flossing every day. Most people brush at least once but rarely ever floss.

    Flossing is vital to maintaining dental health. It helps clean out the nooks and crannies of the mouth. It has many benefits you want to capitalize on for excellent oral health. Dental hygienists will always floss your teeth, even when you go for a professional dental cleaning. It should show how important flossing is if the hygienist still needs to floss your teeth after using all the technology to clean them.

    What Is Flossing?

    Flossing is simply using dental floss to clean between your teeth. The main advantage of flossing is that you can reach parts of your mouth that your brush cannot. The American Dental Association says floss plays a vital role in dental care. 

    When you skip flossing, plaque may build up along the gumline and between teeth. Plaque is the starting point of tooth decay. It would help if you got rid of it before it turned into tartar.

    So, what are the benefits of flossing?

    ·      Eliminates Plaque

    One of the characteristics of plaque is that it is thin and colorless, making it difficult to see with your eyes. It is not something you want to collect on your teeth. As mentioned above, when it collects, it hardens into tartar. 

    Plaque forms after bacteria mix with starch and sugar in your mouth. The bacteria in plaque release acids that attack and weaken the tooth enamel. When it collects along the gumline, it predisposes you to gum disease. Flossing targets the plaque that forms between your teeth and along the gumline.

    • Minimizes Risk of Cavities

    Cavities form when your teeth decay after the bacteria in your mouth weakens and wears out the enamel. Flossing gets rid of food particles between the teeth that may cause the buildup of plaque. It is an excellent way of lowering the chances of tooth decay.

    • Keeps Gum Disease Away

    Gum disease is one of the most common oral conditions affecting Americans. The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis. The most common symptom of gingivitis is inflamed gums. Also, you may notice blood after you brush your teeth. 

    Flossing once a day will ensure that gum disease stays away. Combining that with brushing twice a day will give you healthy teeth for a long time.

    • Eliminates Bad Breath

    Sometimes, food particles stuck between your teeth escape brushing. If left there, they can give you bad breath throughout the day. The only way to get rid of them is by flossing. Dental floss is also usually flavored, which can stay on your teeth for some time, giving you fresh breath.

    • Helps With Heart Health

    Together with regular brushing, flossing helps maintain good oral health. According to a study done in 2019, patients with good oral hygiene had a decreased risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Also, there is a link between the health of your mouth and the health of your body.       

    For more reasons why you should floss daily, visit Courthouse Art of Dentistry at our office in Arlington, Virginia. Call 703-783-9417 to book an appointment today.