Despite persistent calls from dentists to brush and floss regularly, more than 30% of adults develop cavities. While you can’t do anything about the cavities you already have, you can help stop future dental problems.
Using a good quality toothbrush and replacing it regularly helps. Mouthwash can also prove beneficial. Let us not forget flossing.
Flossing is one of the most overlooked aspects of dental care, which is unfortunate. The benefits of flossing are many and varied. Let’s take a look at top five benefits.
1. Gingivitis Prevention
One of the more common dental conditions, gingivitis affects the gum.
A few of the typical symptoms include:
- Swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Gum bleeding after brushing
When you floss on a regular basis, it helps remove the plaque that builds up along your gums. That, in turn, helps prevent gingivitis.
2. More Effective Cleaning
Brushing your teeth works really well at knocking loose food particles and plaque on the surface of your teeth. Brushing can’t do much about the food particles that end up between your teeth. This proves especially true if you have closely packed teeth.
Flossing helps pull those particles free. It also makes it easier for water or mouthwash to rinse between the teeth.
3. Help Prevent Non-Dental Diseases
Tooth decay and gum conditions affect more than just your oral health. Research connects them with several other serious health problems including:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Respiratory illnesses
The extra few dollars you spend on floss and the few minutes you spend on flossing can yield substantial health benefits. Compared with the expense and reduction in quality of life associated with those conditions, it’s a small price to pay.
4. Helps Prevent Bad Breath
Almost everyone has a bad breath day. Maybe you ate that onion bagel on the way into work or just didn’t take your time brushing.
One of the big causes of bad breath, though, is food particles decaying between your teeth. Flossing knocks them loose and helps ensure your breath smells good every day.
5. Protects Your Veneers
Many people get porcelain veneers for cosmetic and practical purposes. Veneers can make your teeth slightly longer for a solid bit. They can also help cover discoloration or slight unevenness.
They will start to break down the way natural enamel breaks down without the proper attention. Flossing helps protect your veneers the same way it protects your teeth.
Parting Thoughts on the Benefits of Flossing
There are many benefits of flossing beyond simply prying loose a bit of popcorn kernel. Although, that is often a welcome benefit.
It makes brushing and mouthwash more effective. It keeps your breath smelling fresh. Flossing also helps preserve your veneers, making them a better long-term investment.
You also enjoy several health benefits. Flossing helps protect you from basic tooth decay and gingivitis. It also reduces the odd of other health problems associated with tooth problems and gum diseases.
Eccella Smiles offers a full range of dental services, from general and cosmetic to restorative dentistry. For questions or appointments, contact Eccella Smiles today.