Flossing is an important part of any proper oral hygiene routine.  

Flossing your teeth should form part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Unfortunately, many people choose to skip this essential step. The reality is that by committing to the habit, it is possible to prevent a range of health issues from developing and to keep your smile looking good in the long term. If you still need some convincing, read on for some of the top reasons to floss your teeth…

1.  It keeps bad breath at bay

When plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth and gums, they produce harmful acids that can contribute to bad breath. By simply removing plaque from your mouth regularly and along with other debris like leftover food particles, it is possible to keep foul-smelling odours at bay. Flossing is one of the most effective ways to get rid of bacteria from between the teeth and along the gum line, as it’s possible to reach areas that are not accessible with your toothbrush alone.

2.  It reduces the risk of cavities

The mouth is packed with different types of bacteria — some help us maintain a healthy mouth, while others do more harm than good. Every time you eat or drink anything besides water, the harmful bacteria in your mouth digest sugars and carbohydrates and produce acids that can wear away at the enamel of your teeth. Over time, these acids can cause cavities to form. To minimise the effects of harmful bacteria and acids, it is important that you keep your teeth clean — regular brushing and flossing will help to do so.

3.  It helps to prevent gum disease

Just as certain bacteria can lead to tooth decay, so too can built-up plaque increase your risk of gum disease. When plaque is left to accumulate on the teeth and gums, it can harden into a substance called tartar, which can lead to issues like inflammation and bleeding. For this reason, plaques must be removed regularly. And, it is crucial to understand that gum disease can affect more than the condition of your mouth — the issue has been linked to a number of other serious health problems, including diabetes and some cardiovascular issues.  

4.  Brushing alone is simply not enough

Even if you brush your teeth multiple times every day using the proper techniques, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and fluoride toothpaste, it is still important to floss daily. Brushing alone can only remove around 60 percent of the plaque stuck to your teeth. To remove the rest often stuck between the teeth, you must floss because your toothbrush cannot reach these areas.

5.  The habit could save you money in the long-term

By committing to proper oral habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, it is possible to prevent a whole host of oral health issues from developing. By keeping gum disease and cavities at bay, you can avoid the need for extensive dental work, thus saving you money in the long term. To protect your teeth and gums, ensure to see your dentist for a routine check-up and clean every six months. In that way, any potential problems can be resolved before they become more complicated.

How can we help?

At Crown Dental Group, we encourage all of our patients to practise proper oral hygiene habits and to come in and see us for regular check-ups and cleans. We love to see our patients with happy, healthy smiles and are available to address any questions or concerns that you might have.

When you come in and see us for a regular dental visit, we will perform a professional clean and polish and give you instructions and guidelines about how to clean your teeth and gums properly. We will also thoroughly examine your teeth, mouth, and gums and perform x-rays to look for problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and cysts.

To arrange a consultation at Crown Dental, please get in touch here.