The Importance Of Flossing

Dental hygiene is crucial for your overall health. Why and how? When you think about it, your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body.

The things you put in your mouth — food, drink, medications — all pass through your teeth and gums before entering your bloodstream. If your mouth isn’t healthy, neither is the rest of you.

That’s why taking care of your teeth and gums is so important. And one of the best ways to do that is by flossing daily. Flossing means cleaning the space between your teeth and gums. But why is that important?

Helps Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of your gums that can occur if you don’t remove plaque from your teeth. Gum disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Plaque buildup causes your gums to become inflamed, causing them to bleed easily. At this point, gum disease is still reversible with good at-home dental care and professional dental cleanings.

If you don’t remove the plaque from your teeth, it will continue to grow below your gumline. This second stage of gum disease is periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated.

Flossing at least once a day reduces your risk of developing gum disease. Also, professional dental cleanings once or twice a year can help.

Fresher Breath

When food particles become trapped between teeth, they provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria release foul-smelling toxins that can cause bad breath. In addition, bacterial growth can lead to gum disease, which can also contribute to unpleasant breath.

By flossing regularly, you can remove food debris and reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, giving you a fresher breath. Additionally, flossing helps to stimulate saliva production, which helps to cleanse the mouth and keep breath smelling fresh. So next time you reach for the mints, grab some floss as well.

Helps Prevent Cavities

Cavities are a result of plaque buildup on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. When you don’t remove plaque, it hardens into tartar, which only a professional can only remove.

Tartar buildup creates an environment where cavities can form. The best way to prevent cavities is to remove plaque before it can turn into tartar. And the best way to do that is by flossing every day.

Better Overall Health

Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. Some bacteria are good for you, but some can be harmful. Plague and tartar buildup on your teeth provides a perfect environment for the growth of harmful bacteria.

These bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums and cause infections in other parts of your body. Studies have linked gum disease to increased heart disease and diabetes risk. So by flossing every day, you’re not only keeping your mouth healthy, but you’re also helping to keep the rest of your body healthy.

Flossing Is Easy

Flossing may seem like a chore, but it’s not that difficult. And the benefits far outweigh the effort. You only need to floss once daily, which only takes a few minutes.

There are many different types of floss available, so you can find one that’s right for you. And there are even floss holders that can make the process easier. So there’s no excuse not to floss!

Visit a Dentist Regularly

Now that you know all the benefits of flossing, there’s no excuse not to do it. Be sure to floss at least once a day, and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. You can keep your smile healthy for years to come with proper dental care.

If you’re looking for a great dental office in the Crest Hill area, look no further than Crest Hill Family Dental. We provide quality care at an affordable price. Schedule an appointment today.