Benefits Flossing

Flossing brings numerous benefits besides getting rid of those irritating little bits of food that get stuck between your teeth. A daily routine of flossing using the correct technique can help to improve your overall wellbeing as well as your dental health.

Dentists say flossing is as important as brushing your teeth, to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. However, only half of the U.S. population floss daily, and nearly 20 per cent don’t bother at all, according to the Statistic Brain Research Institute.

The real benefits of flossing include:

  • Better general health.
  • Increased self-confidence.
  • Warding off gum disease.
  • Avoiding tooth decay.
  • Preventing bad breath.
  • Whiter teeth.
  • No dentures.
  • Spotting potential health issues.

Better General Health

Failing to floss can result in more serious consequences than unsightly stains on your teeth, including infection of the gums, which can spread to other parts of the body.

Gum disease has been linked with:

Heart issues. Bacteria can travel from your gums via the bloodstream to the arteries in your heart, causing them to harden (atherosclerosis). This increases the danger of heart attack or stroke. The heart can also become inflamed (endocarditis).

Respiratory infections. The Journal of Periodontology has reported that gum disease could cause lung infections like pneumonia when oral bacteria is constantly being breathed in.

Dementia. Bacteria from the mouth can get to the brain, either through the bloodstream or nerve channels, and even result in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Diabetic complications. Gum disease can make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. Diabetics are also more vulnerable to gum infections, making flossing even more important.

Poor oral hygiene has also been linked to other conditions, including weak bones, immune system disorders, and problems with pregnancy and low birth weight.

Increased Self-Confidence

Bad breath and stained teeth can undermine your self-esteem and make you embarrassed about showing off your smile. Flossing can play an important part in preventing bad breath and as an aid in teeth-whitening. If you think you look good, you’ll feel good, and individuals who are happy about their smile are likely to be more confident about getting on with their life.

A market research study on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) discovered that people with a good-looking smile were perceived as being more successful. The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO) says that a person’s appearance can even affect their prospects of getting a job, and that people with great smiles are considered more intelligent.

Warding Off Gum Disease

Gum inflammation (gingivitis) is caused by bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate the soft tissue. Gingivitis can progress to the more severe condition of periodontitis (gum disease), which penetrates beneath the gums and damages the bones that support teeth, as well as attacking soft tissue. Fifty per cent of U.S. adults have periodontal disease, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Flossing removes bacteria-laden plaque from between teeth – areas inaccessible for a toothbrush.

Avoiding Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar. As these microbes feed on sugars in the food you eat, they produce acids that attack the teeth, destroying the protective layer of enamel and causing cavities. Flossing lowers the risk of tooth decay by preventing a build-up of plaque.

Preventing Bad Breath

If food debris remains in the mouth, it collects bacteria that release sulfur compounds, which make your breath smell. Flossing can play a key role in preventing chronic bad breath (halitosis) because it removes food particles that become trapped between your teeth and around the gums – places where a toothbrush can’t reach. If you have persistent bad breath despite regular brushing and flossing, it’s advisable to see a doctor or dentist. The issue may be a sign of a medical condition such as liver problems, bronchitis or diabetes.

Whiter Teeth

Proper flossing can be an effective alternative to repeated applications of messy, store-bought teeth-whitening products. Your teeth will look healthier and brighter if your gums are kept in good condition by flossing to get rid of bacterial plaque. You can also get special teeth-whitening floss treated with calcium peroxide or covered with tiny abrasive silica particles.

No Dentures!

As flossing decreases the risk of tooth loss, it also lessens the possibility that you’ll need dentures at some point. Some people who wear conventional dentures face embarrassing problems with keeping them in place. An ill-fitting dental plate can also cause painful sores that may become infected, making it difficult to eat and speak. Then, of course, there’s the hassle of having to constantly take removable dentures out for cleaning.

Spotting Potential Health Issues

Flossing allows you to examine your mouth more thoroughly than when you brush your teeth. Oral lesions and swelling and redness of the gums may indicate certain medical conditions, including eating disorders, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), and some forms of cancer.

Flossing is Essential, Say the Experts

The American Dental Association says flossing plays an essential role in oral healthcare and can remove up to 80 per cent of plaque. The ADA recommends that you floss daily, in addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups. Various products are available to boost your flossing routine, including proxy brushes, dental tape and orthodontic brushes.

When buying floss or other interdental cleaners, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. A 2017 study found that some people in the U.S. were using potentially harmful materials instead of proper dental floss – including safety pins and cutlery.

Contact to our professional and caring dentists at Lakeside Dental about the proper way to use floss and other products to clean between your teeth without hurting your gums. Your mouth will thank you!