July 12, 2021
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are the foundation for a healthy smile. But many people tend to skip out on flossing, causing plaque and bacteria to grow in between their teeth and under their gum lines. Here are three reasons why you should floss daily to boost your oral health.
1. Flossing Prevents Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common but completely preventable progressive dental ailment. It begins with the proliferation of bacteria and plaque under the gum line, which can’t be cleaned properly with a toothbrush. Regular flossing helps dislodge trapped food particles and plaque bacteria from under the gumline, keeping your gums healthy.
2. Flossing Prevents Bad Breath
Bad breath has various causes, but many of those causes result in the overgrowth of plaque and bacteria. By keeping your gums and the spaces between your teeth clear of bacteria with floss, you can immediately improve your breath.
3. Flossing Boosts Your Heart Health
Multiple studies have shown that the plaque that develops on the artery walls of hearts is the same plaque that develops between teeth. For those with bacteria overgrowth, plaque and bacteria can enter the bloodstream and collect in the heart, causing heart disease. In other words, flossing helps prevent heart disease. Obviously, this can have a significant impact on your overall health.
Proper Flossing Technique
Flossing twice a day right after brushing can do wonders on your oral and overall health. But there is a proper technique to follow in order to reap the benefits of it. Take a long piece of floss and make a C-shape with it, leaving a one-inch amount to gently weave between your teeth. Make sure to rock it back and forth to clear out the gumline and proceed until you’ve cleaned between all of your teeth. If you have any tight spaces, use a floss pick or threader to help keep them clean.
Preventive Dentistry in Phoenixville, PA
Apart from consistent brushing and flossing, visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and examinations twice a year is a fantastic way to make sure that your oral health is in great shape. Dental Wellness Phoenixville offers comprehensive general and preventive services including decay prevention, oral cancer screenings, and TMD/TMJ treatments, along with flexible financing fit for any budget. Give yourself the gift of a healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0
