Flossing is an essential part of the dental routine that is often overlooked. While brushing twice daily is great, when you don’t floss, you miss about 40% of the surface area of your teeth! If you’re still skeptical about flossing, here are five reasons why you should never skip this important step.
1. Prevent Plaque Buildup
Within just a few hours of eating, plaque begins to buildup and harden. After 48 hours, the plaque turns to tartar, which is firmly intact to your teeth. Once this happens, the only way to remove the plaque is by getting a professional cleaning. Flossing daily can help prevent plaque from hardening and reduce your chance of tooth decay.
2. Fresher Breath
Regular brushing can’t fully reach between the teeth, which causes bacteria to buildup. The acid produced from this bacteria is one of the factors that contribute to bad breath. Flossing helps remove this buildup between the teeth, so as a result, you will have fresher breath.
3. Prevent Gum Disease
Not only does plaque contribute to cavities, but it also can lead to gum disease. What starts out as harmless bleeding gums can turn into more serious problems like tooth decay. Regularly removing plaque between teeth is a crucial step in preventing gum disease.
4. A Healthier Smile
Flossing and brushing consistently helps keep staining to a minimum. This helps maintain a whiter smile. Flossing also keeps your gums healthy, so overall your smile will be bright and healthy!
5. Save Money
Maintaining good dental hygiene not only keeps you healthy but it can also save you money. Dental work can quickly add up and if you aren’t properly caring for your teeth, you may require more trips to the dentist. To prevent this, always brush your teeth twice daily, floss and have your teeth professionly cleaned twice a year.
If you have any questions about flossing or it’s time for your teeth to be cleaned, schedule an appointment with us!
