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Everybody is aware of how important it is to brush their teeth. However, not all people know how crucial it is to floss, too! Dentists usually have to remind their patients to floss because, sadly, not everyone does it. Many people avoid flossing because it can sometimes be painful and cause their gums to bleed, but more on this later.
Flossing helps contribute to good overall oral health, and it helps keep gum disease at bay. Here are a few reasons people should floss as part of their everyday oral care routine.
1 - Brushing Isn’t Enough
Even if you do it three times a day, brushing your teeth is not enough to prevent all oral diseases. Brushing alone only removes a fraction of the plaque that accumulates on your teeth. Keep in mind that the nooks and crannies between your teeth need to be cleaned as well. Flossing gets into these small spaces that toothbrushes cannot reach. This is why flossing should be done along with brushing to ensure that your oral health stays at an optimal level.
2 - It Protects Your Gums And Teeth
Flossing protects the gums and teeth from different oral health issues. It prevents the gums from developing the dreaded gum disease gingivitis, and it prevents plaque from hardening into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove than plaque. Bacterial infections can form on plaque and open the door to all sorts of complications and oral health problems.
3 - Flossing Prevents Tooth Loss
Flossing prevents many oral health issues that can potentially cause a person to lose their teeth in the long run. Failing to floss may result in bacterial formation and buildup in the oral cavity. If this is left unchecked for an extended period, the bacteria will fester and attack the otherwise healthy parts of the mouth. This includes the teeth and gums. This will later cause teeth to become loose or fall out.
4 - If You See Blood, You Aren’t Flossing Enough
The truth is that spitting out blood as you brush your teeth may be a sign of gum disease. If you floss regularly, you will find that you will not see traces of blood when you brush your teeth.
5 - Flossing Is Just As Important As Brushing
Remember that flossing is of equal importance as brushing. They should be done together and can both be used to help a person achieve good overall dental health. Ideally, a person should brush at least two to three times a day; flossing should be done at least once a day.
If you are unable to brush and floss after a meal, like if you are at a restaurant, for example, it is an excellent practice to gargle with water after instead. Once you are done with your meal, excuse yourself from the table and go to the washroom. Swirl water around your mouth to flush out all the food particles. When you arrive home, it will be easier for you to brush because you had already partly gotten rid of the food particles earlier.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that flossing is part of a healthy oral care routine. If you had neglected this part of your oral care routine, it is a good idea to start now. Also, visiting your dentist will allow them to check whether there are any oral health concerns that need to be treated.
It is also good to visit your dentist even if you aren’t necessarily feeling any pain. Your dentist will be able to stop any oral health issues dead in their tracks before they become serious.
If you are looking for affordable dentistry in Ypsilanti, Dental House MI is the place to go. We offer all types of dentistry services that are guaranteed to help you brighten your smile. Come in for a visit today, and let us give you confidence in your smile.
