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Posted on 2/20/2019 by Thomas Wold, DMD |
![]() When you make flossing a part of your daily dental hygiene routine, you will protect your teeth from a variety of oral health problems. Flossing Cleans Your Teeth Where a Toothbrush CannotYour toothbrush is a great tool for keeping your teeth clean, but it can't reach every crevice. Bacteria love to accumulate between the teeth where they are hard to reach, forming plaque and even tartar with time. Only flossing can remove the bacteria, food, and the plaque that builds up here, and failure to do so will lead to enamel erosion and tooth decay.Flossing Prevents Gum DiseaseGum disease is one of the most common diseases, with about 50% of American adults over the age of 30 who have this disease. Flossing helps to remove plaque and bacteria from around the gum line, and it can even reverse the earliest stage of gum disease – gingivitis. This is important because if left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.Flossing Can Benefit Your Overall HealthResearch connecting gum disease and other health conditions is extensive. People with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease. Researchers believe that gum disease, arthritis, and heart disease are all caused by the body's inflammatory response. So, by flossing regularly, could prevent serious health problems later in life.We know that flossing may not be the most fun part of your day, but if you want to maintain good oral and overall health, it is essential. Regular dental evaluations are also critical for your oral health, so give us a call today to set up your next appointment. |