5 Facts About Why You Should Floss Your Teeth

added on: January 7, 2014

People often take their dental health for granted. Teeth whitening can get rid of stains and grungy teeth, but good dental health also brushing and flossing. People often assume that carefully brushing their teeth each day is all they need to do to protect their teeth. Good dental hygiene, however, requires flossing as well as brushing. While most people would never neglect brushing their teeth everyday, regular flossing is often neglected. The primary reason for this is that people do not realize how important flossing is for dental heath and hygiene. Regular dental checkups should not be neglected. Schedule a checkup with a general dentist in South Charlotte NC, like Park Cedar Dentistry. Experienced dentists like Dr. Sturm, Dr. Snapp and Dr. Caldwell will instruct you in the best way to floss your teeth. Flossing, however, is essential for maintaining good dental health as well. Here are five reasons why you should floss your teeth everyday.

One – Flossing is more effective than bruising
Flossing your teeth is just as important as brushing your teeth. Dental floss is designed to reach the tight spaces between the teeth and the gap between the teeth and gums. These are areas that a toothbrush is not able to reach. Dental floss also removes the plaque that builds up near the gum line and between the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance laden with bacteria that adheres to the teeth and gums. Plaque is the major culprit behind tooth decay and gum disease. A toothbrush cannot completely remove the plaque from the teeth and gums. 

Two – How to avoid gum disease
Flossing is the most important technique we can do to prevent gum problems. Tiny food particles become lodged in the spaces where the gums and teeth meet. The plaque will harden into tartar and tartar can eventually lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). If left untreated, gingivitis eventually leads to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth and bone loss. Regular flossing removes most of the food and plaque that toothbrushes can’t reach. Flossing is the answer to the question, how to avoid gum disease?

Three – Tartar Buildup
Flossing prevents tartar buildup. Plaque that remains on the teeth eventually hardens into tartar. Tartar is very difficult to remove and, usually, can only be removed by professional teeth cleaning at the dentist office. Flossing helps to reduce and prevent tartar buildup.

Four – Disease
Good dental hygiene protects more than your teeth and gums. Research shows that when bacteria flourishes in an unhealthy mouth, it can lead to a number of serious health problems and diseases. The list includes heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. The Center for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) has emphasized the need to address the relationship between oral health and disease prevention.

Five – Saves You Money
Flossing plays an essential role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Good dental health also requires regular teeth cleaning and dental checkups as well. The benefits of regular flossing, however, will greatly reduce the amount of money you spend on dental care in the long run. 

Regular dental checkups should not be neglected. Schedule a checkup with our general dentists in South Charlotte today. Our dentists will instruct you in the best way to floss your teeth. We will also answer any questions about teeth whitening that you may have as well.


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