Benefits of Flossing
Recent studies claiming that flossing isn’t as important as dentists say it is have been on the news. However, this small bit of studies complete contradicts solid scientific evidence and thousands of studies that say otherwise.
The truth is, flossing is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health – oral and systemic.
Flossing Supports Brushing
Your toothbrush plays an important part in ensuring plaque and odor causing bacteria is kept to a minimum, however, it can’t do everything. That’s why flossing is so important. Flossing complements the efforts of your brushing because it gets into areas where your brush can’t – specifically, between your teeth and at the back of your mouth.
Flossing Protects Your Gums
Excessive plaque buildup around your gums causes gingivitis – the earliest stage of periodontitis. If it isn’t corrected through brushing and flossing this can morph into an ugly disease that causes your bone to disintegrate and teeth to fall out. Flossing helps to remove the plaque around your gums so that you do not develop gingivitis.
Additionally, it removes the tough, stuck food from those areas that mouthwash and brushing cannot.
Save Money
By protecting your mouth from infection and decay you’re making a huge impact on your oral health and wallet. The cost of treating disease and decay is far more than that of a spool of floss or regular dental cleanings. Moreover, the pain, time, and discomfort that goes into more advanced dental procedures call all be avoided if you simply follow a healthy oral hygiene routine that includes flossing.
Prevent Tartar Buildup
One of the most uncomfortable parts of any dental visit is having tartar scraped from your teeth. The sound of the scraping is enough to drive you nuts. But it’s an important part of ensuring your teeth are healthy and that bacterial colonies don’t embed into your dentin. This is another factor of periodontitis.
By regularly flossing your removing bacteria and tartar so that when you go to the dentist you don’t have to go through a longer session of scraping.
Prevent Diseases
Flossing plays a major role in preventing periodontal disease. Because it prevents periodontal disease it also helps to prevent a slew of other diseases linked to periodontal disease. This includes heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes (which is worsened by periodontal disease).
The crucial thing to understand is that flossing isn’t a waste of time. When performed properly it actually saves time and trouble down the road. Additionally, flossing is something that only needs to be done once a day. So you can integrate it into your morning or evening routine, whichever is most convenient.
If you’re looking for a dentist who focuses on preventative care like flossing, brushing, and cleanings, contact our office. Dr. Toyer is committed to teaching patients the best ways to care for their oral hygiene needs, so that they live happy, healthy lives for years to come. From proper brushing techniques to restorations, she is here to guide you through the education and decision-making process.
April Toyer, DDS, FAAPD
The team at Lifetime Dental Care brings a full range of services to patients in and around the Woodbridge, VA area. These four doctors bring a range of experience, diverse backgrounds, and professional knowledge together to provide families with a safe and friendly home for their oral health needs.