If you have been to the dentist you probably have had your dentist harp on you for not flossing enough. This is an extremely common statement that dentists tell 80% of their patients. If you are like us, you probably wonder why is it so important to floss on a daily basis. In today’s article, we plan on answering this question and more.
Why isn’t brushing enough?
So the first thing you might be asking is “Why is brushing not enough?”. Well, the tooth has 5 surfaces, but your toothbrush can only reach up to 3 of them. The two untouched surfaces are very close to the sides of your other teeth, and that makes it easy for food to get trapped in between. When food gets stuck in these gaps, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria to build up, creating plaque which leads to cavities. This is where floss comes in handy. Your stringed floss can get into these tight spaces and remove 80% of plaque that brushing and mouthwash miss.
Flossing keeps your gums and teeth safe
When you don’t floss, bacteria and plaque can easily build up. If they are not removed properly the bacteria will eventually begin to irritate the gum tissue, and this will get worse as the bacteria increases. When left untreated, this can eventually cause Gingivitis – a periodontal disease that causes red and puffy gums to bleed easily. Not flossing can also lead to irritation and the bacteria between your teeth can also destroy your tooth’s enamel, causing a cavity. Flossing will remove this plaque to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria. Regularly flossing is a great way to check your mouth for potential cavities, as well as swelling or redness. It will also make your teeth look brighter by removing plaque and excess food that you may not spot in a mirror.
Protects from other diseases
If left untreated, bacteria in an unhealthy mouth can harm the rest of your body. Gingivitis can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, leading to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. Flossing only takes a couple of minutes out of your day, but will have huge benefits on your long-term health. In next week’s article, we will go over in detail how your oral health can lead to better overall health!
Who is Woodland Family Dental?
Woodland Family Dental is one of Duluth, Minnesota’s top family dental offices. with over 65 five-star reviews on Google and Facebook, our team makes it our mission to provide the best dentistry for anyone that needs it. Our experienced team of dentists offers a wide array of dental services including general cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants. Woodland Family Dental is here to help you with your dental needs. Not to mention our great location on Miller Trunk Highway right next to the mall in Duluth, Minnesota. Woodland Family Dental cares about helping our patients and accepts almost all insurances. Set up an appointment today and see why so many families love us. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date, get more tips, and learn about what our team is up to.
Woodland Family Dental has been proudly voted as Duluth’s Best Dental Clinic, Dentist, and Denture Provider by CommunityVotes Duluth.
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