Most people have no problem brushing their teeth twice daily. But when it comes to flossing, only 28% of Canadians floss five times per week.
The problem with this is that flossing is just as important as brushing. If you'd like to have clean, healthy teeth that will last a lifetime, you need to develop good flossing habits.
But why is flossing important? Flossing reaches and cleans the in-between spaces in your teeth where brushes can't access.
Looking for reasons to floss on a regular basis? Keep reading to discover all of the benefits of flossing and tips for developing better dental hygiene habits.
The Risk of Not Flossing
When you don't floss, you allow plaque to buildup on your teeth. Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, also known as Periodontitis. This happens when prolonged exposures to the bacteria in plaque cause inflammation.
Symptoms of gum disease include puffy, discolored gums, tender gums that bleed easily, painful chewing, and more. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to infection and tooth loss as bacteria fills gaps between your gums and teeth.
And when you contract gum disease, you're likelihood of developing heart disease also increases. But this is all easily avoidable with regular flossing (in addition to brushing). The importance of flossing cannot be understated; it will save your teeth.
Why Is Flossing Important?
So why is flossing important? Aside from preventing plaque buildup and gum disease, flossing gives you a fresher mouth.
Flossing helps dislodge food from the spaces between your teeth, helping your mouth feel better, and improving bad breath. Because flossing reduces plaque and tartar, it also helps to brighten your teeth and improve your smile.
Removing plaque between your teeth also reduces the likelihood of cavities. It only takes a few days of not flossing for cavity-causing plaque to start doing damage.
And when you floss on a regular basis, your dentist will know. As a result, dental checkups will be much easier for you.
Flossing Tips
Flossing has never been easier with the range of flossing products available today. Most people don't enjoy the standard spool of floss, though it's still very effective.
Floss picks are a great choice for building better habits. They are simple and enjoyable to use, requiring only one hand.
Water flossers are also available for a totally different flossing experience. These work by spraying a tiny, but powerful stream of water into the tight spaces of your mouth, removing plaque and food.
How often should you floss? Every day. That's why it's important to find your favorite way to floss so the habit becomes easy and enjoyable.
Enjoy a Happier, Healthier Smile
So why is flossing important? Because it keeps your mouth healthy and your smile happy. There's no getting around the fact that we need to floss daily.
It's also important to ensure you visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup, to prevent minor issues from becoming major ones. Schedule your appointment with Howe Dental today for added peace of mind.