WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO FLOSS REGULARLY?

Even though most people are told that regular flossing is a crucial aspect of maintaining oral health, many of us still neglect to do it. A recent survey showed that only about half of American adults floss regularly, and almost 20% of us never floss. If you’re someone who has a hard time remembering to floss, it’s helpful to know why it’s so important for you to complete this simple task on a regular basis.

In addition to reducing your risk for needing dental surgery, flossing cleans places your toothbrush cannot reach. Bacteria can easily build up between your teeth and cause serious damage, even though you may not feel it until it’s too late. Even the most thorough brushing cannot remove this harmful bacteria, so if you don’t floss regularly, the bacteria and plaque between your teeth will lead to gum disease and cause cavities. Additionally, it can also eat away at your tooth enamel. This is, perhaps, one of the most serious threats, as enamel cannot be replaced.

Regular flossing can also strengthen your gums. People often refrain from flossing because it makes their gums bleed, but this only happens when flossing isn’t a part of a daily routine. With consistent flossing and brushing, tender gums will strengthen and subsequent flossing will not cause bleeding or discomfort. When a person has strong gums, they are less likely to develop gum disease. While gum disease can be detrimental to oral health, surprisingly, it can also increase the risk of heart disease. By committing yourself to flossing, you may not just strengthen your gums, but you may also improve your overall health as well.

Even if you’re not a regular flosser, it’s not too late to start. At Kellogg Dental, we want to help you maintain the highest level of oral health, so no matter what your dental needs are, we can help! Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation!