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Posted on 6/20/2019 by Thomas Wold, DMD |
 Do we frequently talk about the importance of flossing when you are in our office for your dental cleanings? This is a conversation that we have with many of our patients, and we try to highlight the many benefits of flossing. Now, new research has indicated that failure to floss can actually lead to weight gain.Flossing May Help You to Lose WeightOnly about 49% of Americans floss on a daily basis. That means over half of people in the U.S. don't floss daily, and 10% admit to never flossing at all. Not only is flossing good for your teeth, but it can also help you to lose weight, and this may be the push that some people need to start flossing more.Failure to floss can lead to gingivitis, which involves inflammation and irritation of the gums. Approximately 75% of Americans have gingivitis, so it is a major concern in the U.S. However, in animal studies, dental researchers have now found a possible connection between inflammation and weight gain. The animals studied that had gum disease were more likely to be overweight or obese, and when the infection was treated, their weight went down. What is the Big Deal about Inflammation?In our office, we talk about inflammation a lot, but you may not know why it is such a big deal. Inflammation puts stress on the body, which in turn affects metabolism. Cells that are inflamed may have a difficult time controlling insulin properly, and rather than using glucose for energy, it may be stored as fat.This new study is just one more reason that you should be flossing your teeth at least once per day, and regular dental cleanings in our office can determine how effective you are. Call us today to set up your next appointment. |
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