Keep Those Dental Issues From Arising by Flossing Your Teeth Regularly
Your tooth has five surfaces. However, your toothbrush can only reach three of them. The remaining two are adjacent to the sides of the other teeth, allowing food to get stuck in these tight spaces easily. When food debris gets trapped between these gaps, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria. This is where interdental cleaners like dental floss come in. It helps clean hard-to-reach tooth surfaces and removes plaque.
Why You Should Floss Your Teeth Daily
The American Dental Association recommends flossing your teeth every day. Here are the reasons why cleaning between your teeth regularly is essential to preserving your smile’s health and aesthetics:
- Averts Tooth Decay. Tooth decay is the second most common complaint after the common cold. This infectious disease remains a prevalent problem that most people have to contend with at one point or another. In fact, one in four adults suffer from cavities, and about half of the teenagers in the United States have had cavities. Aside from brushing your teeth, flossing helps lower your risk of cavity-causing plaque that causes tooth decay.
- Prevents Gum Disease. Studies show that the bacteria found in plaque can result in an inflammatory response contributing to periodontal (gum) disease. Plaque that is not eliminated by cleaning your teeth can harden into a crusty deposit known as tartar. This rough substance can collect along your gumline, trap stains on your teeth, and even lead to gum disease. However, flossing your teeth can help you avoid these issues.
- Lowers Risk of Heart Disease. One of the treacherous dangers brought upon by gum disease is that it seems to contribute to the development of heart disease. Poor dental health tends to increase the risk of bacterial infection in the bloodstream, affecting the heart valves. A recent study showed that people with gum disease have a 20 percent higher chance of developing heart disease.
- Freshens Breath. As mentioned previously, flossing removes food debris that your toothbrush can’t reach. If the food debris is not removed, the hundreds of bacteria in your mouth can feed on it and cause bad breath. Bad breath, also called halitosis, is not as uncommon as most people think. You may joke about this condition, whether it’s your own or someone you know. However, bad breath is an oral health issue that should also be taken seriously. It’s not only a potentially embarrassing social problem. Bad breath can be a symptom of a disease or an underlying issue too.
It's important to remember how your oral health is a crucial part of your everyday life. Do you want to keep your bright, lovely smile for years into the future? It’s never too late to take control of your oral health and keep dental issues from arising by flossing your teeth regularly.
Never take your proper dental care for granted. Schedule your dental exam at Courthouse Art of Dentistry today. Call our clinic in Arlington, Virginia, now at (703) 260-9600 to book an appointment.