Most people wouldn’t say that flossing is at the top of their list of favorite things to do. For that reason, a lot of people choose not to floss, while others only floss occasionally. However, flossing daily is important to your oral health, and it only takes a few minutes a day to get it right.
If you are wondering why flossing is so important, your Pleasanton dentist explains what you need to know.
Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
While brushing your teeth can clean the majority of your tooth surfaces, it isn’t very effective at getting in between the teeth. That means bacteria and plaque may still exist in these spaces, even after a thorough brushing, leading to tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis).
Dental floss is designed specifically to clean these hard to reach spaces, ensuring that plaque is removed from every part of your teeth.
Fight Bad Breath
No one wants bad breath. But, if dental plaque and food particles are able to remain trapped between your teeth, you are more likely to have a case of halitosis.
Flossing helps remove plaque and food from between the teeth, decreasing your chances of having bad breath by limiting the effects of odor-causing bacteria.
Maintain Your Health
Gum disease has been associated with increased risks of developing a range of dangerous health problems, including heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Largely, this is because bacteria in the mouth can enter the body, especially if you experience bleeding gums.
By flossing, you can keep bacteria at bay, lowering your chance of developing one of these potentially deadly health conditions.
Save Money
By flossing, you can decrease your odds of developing cavities, gum disease, and a range of other oral health issues. That means, when you visit your Pleasanton dentist, you’re more likely to get a clean bill of health, avoiding potentially expensive corrective measures that may be associated with tooth decay, gingivitis, and more.
Achieve a Beautiful Smile
Not only can flossing prevent tooth decay and gum disease, ensuring your teeth are in the best shape possible, but it also removes food particles, avoiding that embarrassing moment of being seen with something in your teeth.
Flossing only takes a few minutes a day, but it can help you maintain a radiant smile, ensuring you are more confident every day.
If you aren’t sure how to start a flossing routine or which kind of floss is right for you, your Pleasanton dentist can help develop a plan based on your individual needs.
