It doesn’t take a huge effort to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, it’s of the utmost importance to perform the right habits consistently. While most people will brush on a regular basis, many fall short in the flossing department. If this is your reality, then maybe understanding just how important flossing is will help out. As you continue reading, a dentist in Newark explains how flossing can help prevent major issues!
Dental Hygiene Depends on This
To properly clean your teeth, two components are required: toothbrushing and flossing. While the toothbrush agitates and removes a majority of the debris on your teeth, it isn’t sufficient by itself. That’s because bacteria and food particles become trapped in the tight spaces between your teeth. Dental floss is required to effectively clean these areas.
The Specific Benefits of Flossing
The malleable shape of floss allows it to meander between your teeth like a river. In doing so, it offers the following benefits:
Prevents Plaque Development
Every time you eat, new bacteria are introduced to your mouth, as they look to feed on the leftover debris. If not addressed, they can rapidly harden into plaque. By brushing and flossing around 30 minutes after your meal, you can remove the remaining particles and protect your teeth and gums.
Stops Gum Bleeding
When plaque sinks beneath the gum line, it can cause inflammation, the formation of germ pockets and gum bleeding. These are early warning signs of gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease). This is the time to take action, as any damages to your gums are still reversible. By flossing to remove the bacteria that gathers along the gum line, you can possibly stop the bleeding and rejuvenate your gums.
It should also be noted that whenever you experience gum bleeding, it’s a must to bring it to your dentist’s attention so he or she can perform a careful examination.
Improves Total Wellness
One of the most dangerous traits of plaque is that it’s quite active. Thus, it won’t just settle in your mouth. Over time, it can travel to other parts of your body. Once it starts approaching the heart, it can cause life-threatening blockage of the arteries. Additionally, dental negligence can contribute to higher blood pressure and greater susceptibility to cancer. By taking just a few minutes to floss each day, you can reduce the chances of experiencing these issues.
Strengthens the Teeth
By flossing consistently, you’re able to clean your teeth in their entirety. That reduces the risk of them falling prey to decay. The flexible material also allows you to clean just below the gum line to remove bacteria that could compromise the way the gums fit around the base of the teeth.
Now that you’re aware of the benefits of flossing, the next step is to take action. In doing so, you’ll not only protect your teeth and gums; you could also add years to your life!
About the Author
A graduate of Temple University, Dr. Timothy D. Ganfield has built the reputation of offering only the highest quality care to his patients. To further ensure positive experiences, he has taken several hours of advanced postgraduate training in a multitude of areas. Dr. Ganfield provides preventive care at White Clay Dental, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.