Many people have a concern for keeping their smile bright, along with good oral health, and so they brush their teeth at least twice a day. There is another parallel activity that most individuals do not pay much attention to, and that is flossing. This simple but potent practice is essential for anyone willing to take the best care of their teeth and gums.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at why flossing is necessary, the benefits of flossing, and how flossing with brushing can bring your dental routine to the next level. We will go into the details about properly flossing, why it isn’t enough just to brush, and even how flossing can be associated with heart health. Let’s get started!
Of course, brushing your teeth is important, but it is just part of any oral hygiene routine. It can help clean the surface of the teeth, but the tight spaces of the teeth where plaque and food particles usually hide are unreachable to the toothbrush. That is where flossing comes in.
Flossing is useful because it cleans between those places where brushing can’t remove debris and plaque. These little hidden nooks act as a breeding place for bacteria, which leads to the decay of teeth and infection in the gums. Research has indicated that tooth brushing removes only about 45% of the plaque on your teeth, leaving the rest quite effectively dealt with by flossing.
There are several advantages to flossing that extend beyond just cleaning your teeth. Well, the primary use of floss is in preventing gum diseases. It gets rid of plaque between your teeth and along your gum lining and prevents tartar buildup since tartar can only be removed by a dentist. If left to progress, tartar can contribute to gingivitis, which is an extremely early form of gum disease. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can advance into periodontitis, a more serious disease that may result in loss of teeth.
The other major advantage of flossing is its role in preventing bad breath. Particles of food trapped between your teeth can decay and produce the most disgusting odors. Regular flossing is expected to remove those particles and hence maintain fresh and clean breath.
Flossing also helps in the brightening of smiles. Being a method through which plaque can be removed, it therefore prevents tartar formation and thus helps keep your teeth looking attractive at all times. This is more important if you enjoy coffee, tea, or other foods and drinks that stain.
For the proper dental care regimen, it goes in the order of flossing first. In this manner, when one begins with flossing, this loosens debris and plaque between teeth, making it easier for your toothbrush to clean those areas. Following flossing, use a fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth, cleaning surfaces and removing the remaining plaque. Finally, one should rinse with a mouth rinse to clear any remaining particles and leave the refreshing in the mouth. But remember not to rinse right away; let fluoride remain on your teeth for some time.
Now that we’re clear on the importance of flossing and its benefits, let’s talk about how to floss properly. Many of us are not sure about what to properly do, which may lead to improper flossing and, as a result, cause gum irritation. Here’s just a general guideline for making sure you do it right:
What is quite unexpected is that flossing does not have effects only on the mouth but is related to your heart health. Clinical studies have been able to show a relation between instances of cardiovascular diseases and gum diseases: bacteria that result in gum diseases enter your bloodstream and lead to arterial plaque formation, causing heart attacks and strokes.
Flossing regularly reduces the potential for gum disease, which, in turn, helps in the protection of the heart. This is just one more excellent reason everyone should make flossing a necessary addition to their everyday routine.
Even with the best flosser and brush possible, you will still need to be mindful of some of those warning signs that your teeth require a visit to the dentist.
Flossing is a very important activity. Adding this to one’s routine—coupled with brushing—will have a very wide-ranging impact: from healthier gums to fresher breath and even a reduced risk of heart disease. This blog post reminds the reader that one should floss correctly, and for any signs of trouble, one should consult a dental professional.
