You’ve heard it so many times that you sometimes can’t stand it anymore. Floss, floss, floss. You may not know it, but flossing your teeth does more wonders than you’d expect. It doesn’t just keep the spaces between your teeth clean, but it also helps prevent oral problems in the future.
We’ll tell you why flossing is a must, and we’ll also give you some tips on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
A healthy mouth results in a brighter and happier smile. Including flossing in your oral care routine will stop unwanted bacteria from building up in the nooks and crannies of your teeth. If you don’t rid of those bacteria, they can wreak havoc on your teeth in several ways.
One is that your teeth will be more prone to yellowing because of the food particles and plaque buildup stuck in there. As those bits make themselves at home in your teeth, they will gradually change the appearance of your teeth.
Flossing at least once a day can already work wonders. In some cases, you might even see results after your first floss!
Gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease, is caused by plaque and bacteria. When you let these plaque and bacteria stay in between your teeth for too long, they can spread to the gum line and cause your gums to inflame.
Inflammation of the gums is just the first sign of gum disease. If left untreated, your gums will be more prone to bleeding—even if you’re just brushing your teeth. Over time, your gums will begin to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth, and eventually, tooth loss. Jaw bone deterioration is also a possibility in the worst cases.
Flossing decreases your chances of getting gum disease by getting rid of plaque and other bacteria along the gum line. Brushing your teeth vigorously to keep your gums bacteria-free will only hurt your gums. Flossing your teeth is the best way to keep your gums healthy and disease-free.
As if getting periodontal disease isn’t already enough, you’ll also be at risk of getting other conditions. One of these is heart disease.
Don’t quote us on this, though. There really isn’t any scientific backing on how this works. But other health experts theorize on the spreading of the disease through your blood vessels. Since your circulatory system works via the heart, it could all settle to your cardiovascular organ.
Flossing isn’t going to completely prevent you from getting heart disease. But it should be able to deter any other connecting conditions from getting periodontitis. If you partner good oral hygiene with a healthy lifestyle, then you should be free from most diseases for a long time.
If you’ve never gone through a dental filling your whole life, then consider yourself lucky. Anyone who had a filling knows the anxiety of hearing a dental drill.
Cavities develop because of eating a lot of sugar and poor dental hygiene. It starts with bacteria or the food particles getting stuck on your teeth. The longer they stay there, the greater the damage they will give. The first signs of cavities lurking in your mouth can vary. Once you start noticing some tooth sensitivity, toothache, or a color difference, visit your dentist immediately.
If your dentist confirms that you have cavities, then it’s off to the dental drill for you. If you keep ignoring the signs and let it worsen over time, you have a greater chance of losing the tooth.
Brushing alone isn’t enough to fully clean your teeth. Even the thinnest bristles will never be able to reach through the tight spaces and the gum line. Flossing your teeth will remove the most stubborn particles in your teeth. Regular flossing will significantly reduce the chances of you getting cavities.
Do you already brush your teeth three times a day, but your breath still smells unpleasant? You may need to look deeper into the nooks and crannies of your teeth.
Tiny bits of food that you ate from last night might still be lurking in between your teeth, and that’s pretty common. No matter how hard and how long you continue brushing your teeth, it’ll do more harm than good. And as you continue to let the food bits stuck in your teeth, they’ll eventually turn into bacteria and leave you with foul-smelling breath.
To get rid of those food particles, you need to be able to reach those tight spaces, and only flossing can do that for you. Dental floss is thin that can fit in between your teeth and even get to the gum line. You’ll be surprised at the particles it can grab.
Having a thorough oral routine starts with brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. Be gentle with your brushing, and make sure that you cover all the areas of your teeth.
After brushing, flossing should be your next step. This will remove the other food particles and bacteria that your toothbrush couldn’t reach. You can use any kind of floss you like, whether waxed, unwaxed, or charcoal.
If you’d like, you can also start to use mouthwash in your routine. Mouthwash can kill the remaining bacteria left in your mouth and can leave you with really fresh breath. However, don’t try to replace mouthwash with flossing. Only flossing can reach in between your teeth and remove those particles effectively.
Lastly, remember to have regular checkups with your dentist every six months. Even if you think that your teeth are healthy and strong, your dentist can determine oral problems before they even occur. Also, be honest with your dentist about your diet and your oral hygiene. Your dentist is there to make sure you remain to have a healthy and happy smile.
