Benefits of Flossing: Mastering Your Oral Hygiene
You brush your teeth every day, religiously. You use mouthwash that promises a fresh breath all day, and you try to keep up with regular dental visits. So, you’re doing everything right, right? – Wrong! There’s a missing element that’s often overlooked. It’s that thin piece of dental floss that can be confusing to use. But the truth is, flossing is essential for optimal oral health.
Imagine your mouth as a bustling city. Your toothbrush is the street sweeper, cleaning the main roads. But what about the hidden side lanes and corners between buildings? That’s where plaque and bacteria lurk, quietly wreaking your teeth. Flossing is the explorer that cleans up these hidden spots. So, are you ready to discover the incredible benefits of flossing and learn how to incorporate it into your daily routine? Let's dive in!
Why Flossing is Important
Flossing is often seen as an optional step in oral care, but it’s anything but that. It’s one of the most effective ways to maintain optimal oral health. It reaches those hard-to-reach areas that your toothbrush simply can’t touch.
Gets Rid of Plaque
Plaque is the whitish sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms around your teeth and on the gumline. This film is formed when bacteria in the mouth mix up with sugar and carbohydrates from the foods and drinks you consume. The bacteria then produce acids that can eventually cause tooth decay.
Furthermore, if plaque buildup is left for long, it hardens forming tartar, which can lead to gum disease and inflammation. While brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, it can’t reach between them. Among the benefits of flossing is dislodging plaque from these tight spaces, preventing it from hardening into tartar.
Reduces the Risk of Cavities
When plaque is left undisturbed, it produces acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Regular flossing helps remove the plaque film lingering between teeth and reduces the risk of these painful holes in your teeth.
Helps Prevent Gum Disease
The very first signs of gum inflammation are reddening along the gumline or around certain teeth where plaque accumulates more. You may also notice gum bleeding while brushing your teeth. This is called “gingivitis”, known to be the first stage of gum disease. If left untreated, it may proceed to a more serious problem known as “periodontitis”. This can lead to resorption of the bone supporting your teeth, and eventually tooth loss. Flossing helps prevent gum disease by removing plaque and food particles from the gumline, reducing inflammation.
Reduces Bad Breath
When food particles get trapped between teeth and stay there for some time, they start to decay, leading to a foul smell. Additionally, the plaque build-up and decomposing of the tooth structure also contribute to bad-smelling breath. One of the most important benefits of flossing is helping you get rid of food particles and plaque, leaving your breath fresher.
Prevents Heart Disease
Believe it or not, a study in 2019 concluded that participants who followed strict oral hygiene measures showed a decreased risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Moreover, other studies have shown that gum disease is correlated to high blood pressure. By maintaining good oral hygiene, including flossing, you can help protect your heart and overall health.
Is it Good to Floss Every Day?
The short answer is yes! Flossing is crucial for preventing plaque buildup and dislodging trapped food particles. Making it a part of your daily routine will help you reap the maximum benefits of flossing and keep your teeth and gums in top shape.
H2: How to Floss Your Teeth Correctly
It’s best to floss before brushing. Flossing actually loosens plaque and food particles, so it’s easier to brush them off and for the toothpaste to reach all surfaces of your teeth.
Flossing might seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Cut off about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about an inch to work with.
- Gently insert the floss between your teeth. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between each tooth.
- Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a C-shape around one tooth and slide it up and down gently under the gumline.
- Gently move the floss up and down to clean the sides of the tooth.
- Floss all your teeth. Don't forget to floss the back of your last tooth on each side.
- If you encounter resistance, don't force the floss. Instead, use a gentle sawing motion to work your way through.
Remember, flossing should be a gentle process. If you experience bleeding, it's likely due to gum inflammation. Continue flossing regularly, and the bleeding should subside over time.
By incorporating flossing into your daily oral hygiene routine, you're taking a proactive step towards a healthier mouth and overall well-being. So, grab that floss, give your smile the attention it deserves, and start reaping the benefits of flossing.
