Dental Blog

If you’re looking for an easy way to optimize your oral health, flossing is an effective addition to your dental hygiene routine. Although flossing has a bad reputation for being tedious, we have five of the best reasons why you should take the extra time to floss every day.

1. Flossing Prevents Tartar Buildup
Tartar is a hard buildup of plaque that our dentist scrapes away from your gum line during checkups. Although tartar can’t be removed without professional help, flossing eliminates the soft plaque while it's in the early stages so that it doesn’t add to tartar buildup.

2. Everyday Flossing Protects Your Gums
The areas in between your teeth are where flossing plays a major role. Plaque and food can get lodged, which can lead to tartar buildup, gum disease and tooth decay.

If left unchecked, bacteria-laden tartar and plaque can spread deeper below the gumline, which is characterized by bleeding, puffy and deeply red colored gums, or gingivitis. This situation can progress to periodontal disease, which is characterized by the signs and symptoms of gingivitis plus deterioration of the bone which supports the teeth. Flossing helps you clean the space in between your teeth to remove food particles and plaque that brushing or mouthwash cannot alone remove.

3. Flossing Helps Eliminate Bad Breath
When food particles are left lodged in between your teeth, bacteria tend to break down these particles into sulfur compounds that are responsible for bad breath. Flossing helps you reach the areas that brushing and mouthwash cannot effectively reach, preventing bacteria from colonizing.

4. Flossing Every Day Prevents Disease
Not only does flossing deep clean your smile by removing substances left behind after brushing, it also helps to prevent serious health issues. Bacteria present in the mouth can spread infection to other parts of the body, which can lead to heart disease, diabetes or other illnesses.

By flossing daily, you can help keep the bacteria at bay. Not only will your smile stay bright, but it will also have huge implications for your long-term systemic health and oral health.

5. Flossing Saves You Money
With rising healthcare costs and diminishing insurance benefits, keeping your medical expenses down helps with your long-term financial plan. Dental preventative care helps play a significant role in reducing your costs so you can keep more money in your pocket.

Dental professionals’ instruments are highly advanced and are used to treat even the most severe dental conditions, but protecting oral health starts at home. For this reason, you will receive a complimentary home care kit at your next check up.

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