If you’re not flossing your teeth as part of your oral routine, then you’re increasing the chances of tooth decay. Flossing is an important part of your oral routine and there are key benefits you’re missing out on.
Most people see flossing as an optional choice and prefer to just brush their teeth instead. Do you notice after you’ve brushed your teeth, food debris still remains stuck? If you choose to ignore this, you’re opening up the chances of plaque build-up. You can understand the symptoms, causes and treatments of plaque here.
Let’s understand what flossing is all about first.
What Is Flossing?
Flossing is a cord of thin film (known as filaments) that remove food and dental plaque in between your teeth. These are typically areas and gaps that the toothbrush simply cannot reach.
When food debris remains in between your teeth and in your mouth, our immune response works by building plaque inside the mouth. Plaque is a hard, pale and sticky substance that is difficult to remove. Harmful bacteria begin to penetrate inside the mouth, something that triggers acid reflux. When this happens, your enamel begins to erode. The enamel is on the outer surface of your teeth and protects your teeth from pigments, discolouration and daily wear-and-tear. When this becomes exposed, it is bad news for your teeth.
Flossing helps to remove plaque. Placing the film in between the gaps is a simple task to perform.
You may experience swelling and bleeding gums the first initial times that you floss your teeth. This is how our body’s inflammation response works. Eventually, this will stop the more times you do it.
What Are The Benefits?
There are many benefits that you’re missing out on with flossing to keep your smile healthy and shining. Your mouth and gums will thank you if you start to floss your teeth.
Here’s why:
- Prevent Tooth Decay – The initial stages of tooth decay are when plaque and bacteria build-up inside the mouth. Overall, you’re promoting a cleaner and healthier mouth.
- Saves You Money – Tooth decay means that a tooth is weak and damaged due to the enamel being exposed to acidic attacks. If a tooth is in this state, you’re going to need to pay for extraction, if the tooth cannot be repaired, or root canal treatment, that’s if the tooth is healthy enough to be saved. The ongoing maintenance of your mouth will be significantly higher. Read here to learn more about how you can save money on dental care.
- Prevents Gum Disease – Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. This occurs when gums become swollen and bleed. When this happens, it is an indication that you do not brush and floss your teeth properly.
- Safeguards Your Organs – Harmful bacteria is more likely to penetrate in the bloodstream, heightening the chance of adverse health conditions. This means cardiovascular complications, dementia, stroke or clogged arteries. Gum disease and plaque trigger this off, and it can be avoided by simply flossing your teeth.
Summary
Flossing plays a vital part in your oral routine. Always ensure that your mouth is kept clean at all times. Even after a meal, you’re more likely to have food debris inside your mouth and tongue. A simple routine of either rinsing your mouth or flossing the food debris out of your mouth leaves a clean and healthy smile as the result. Did you know smiling regularly reduces heart complications?
Are you in danger of plaque build-up? You need a check-up at your local dental practice. Contact us today and we’d be happy to help.
