After a night out, there’s nothing else you’d want to do than hop in bed and knock out until morning. Skipping your oral hygiene routine just once can’t hurt anyway, right? Well, when one turns into several missed days, that’s when it becomes a problem. Everyone knows about the importance of brushing and flossing daily, yet few regularly incorporate floss into their routine. Writing off this essential step may save you a few minutes but at the expense of several health benefits. Read on for a few reasons why flossing is important.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Cavities aren’t only caused by frequently eating sugar. Poor oral hygiene is another factor that can lead to dental decay. If left untreated, it can lead to severe discomfort, infection, and tooth loss. Flossing helps remove any food and bacteria hiding in the crevices between your teeth, preventing decay from starting in those areas.
Brushing Just Gets 60% of Plaque Off Teeth
Contrary to popular belief, brushing alone is not enough to remove plaque from your teeth. Around 40% of plaque is in between your teeth—and flossing is the only way to get into those hard-to-reach areas. If it’s not removed within just a few hours of eating, it can solidify and turn into tartar. Minimizing buildup is essential to prevent dental problems, such as swollen gums, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
Gums Will Stop Bleeding
Some people avoid floss altogether because it makes their gums bleed. However, this is an indicator that you’re not flossing enough. Regularly flossing keeps the bacteria from your gum line to a minimum, so your body won’t send red blood cells to the area to fight the infection. If you’re struggling with bloody gums, start incorporating floss into your daily routine! After a few days, the inflammation will go down, and the bleeding should stop.
Lowers Your Risk of Gum Disease
Flossing is the best method for cleaning all the nooks and crannies in your mouth. If you’re not thoroughly cleaning these small areas, you’re leaving your mouth more prone to gum disease. Pregnant women must floss because gum disease is associated with prematurity and low birth weight. So, if you’re expecting, make sure to keep your gums healthy to avoid any complications during birth!
Prevents Bad Breath
Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common reasons behind bad breath. Allowing bacteria to build up between the teeth produces digestive acids that cause bad breath. Flossing helps remove the bacteria and debris hiding in these crevices, helping your mouth feel and smell as fresh as ever.
Remember these benefits the next time you contemplate skipping the floss. Routine dental visits combined with a solid at-home oral hygiene routine can keep your smile bright and healthy for years to come.
About the Practice
Robison Dental Group provides a luxurious and reliable dental experience designed to exceed expectations. Our team has a passion for maintaining high ethical standards and providing treatment to improve your oral health and quality of life. We can help you enjoy a happy, healthy smile for as long as possible with preventive care. To schedule a cleaning or checkup, visit our website or call (734) 453-6320.