How Flossing Benefits You

Every time you stop in to see your dentist, you’re probably being asked if you’re flossing on the regular. If you’re like many dental patients, you probably brush your teeth every morning and night and then look guiltily in the mirror as you realize that your floss hasn’t been used in weeks. After a heavy sigh and a swish with mouthwash, you head off, thinking, “Tomorrow… Surely.” What you may not know is there are significant benefits to flossing your teeth every day that you’re missing out on. After reading these four benefits to flossing, you may reconsider waiting “just another day” to floss.

An Effective Defense Against Gingivitis

When bacteria, plaque, and tartar build-up, your gums are bound to become inflamed and angry. Gums that are swollen and bleed when they’re brushed are a natural result of improper dental hygiene. Adding flossing to your regimen ensures that the debris from between your teeth, as well as any hidden bacteria, plaque, or tartar, is cleared away. Having eliminated the bacteria, your teeth are safe from gingivitis.

Control Diabetes Easier By Flossing Regularly

This comes as a significant surprise to most dental patients. Research has shown that making brushing a regular part of your daily hygiene practices can actually have a huge positive impact on your battle with diabetes. Oral bacteria have been shown to elevate the level of glucose in your blood, making stabilization difficult. Flossing, brushing, and mouthwash combined eliminate bacteria and reduced their effect on your glucose levels.

Halt Halitosis With Regular Flossing

Battling bad breath can be hard even with regular brushing and mouthwash use. Food particles hidden in between your teeth can allow bacteria to build up, adding to your bad breath. Tartar, in particular, contributes heavily to halitosis and often can be found hiding between your teeth. Brushing, mouthwash, and flossing every day will go a long way towards protecting your teeth.

Restrict Respiratory Disease With Flossing

Just like with diabetes, many patients are shocked to learn just how many things your oral health can affect. Your mouth and oral tissues are a direct pathway to many of the organs in your body. This includes your lungs. While this obviously has its benefits, it also can cause a serious problem when oral bacteria transfer into your lungs. Once seated in your lungs, they can begin causing health concerns related to breathing as you develop respiratory disease.

So there you have it, four prominent reasons why flossing is essential to your oral health, and indeed your whole body health. By making brushing, flossing, and the use of mouthwash a regular part of your daily routine, you’re protecting yourself from a host of issues. If you want to learn more about how flossing can help you preserve your good health, contact our offices in Woodbridge, VA today. We’ll schedule you for an appointment at Lifetime Dental Care with Dr. April J Toyer and get you on the road to battling gingivitis, bad breath, and even heart disease. Call today to get started!