Tens of thousands of dentists around the world can’t be wrong, you should be flossing your teeth daily! Unfortunately, this important component of a good dental hygiene regime too often get’s brushed off after the tooth brushing is done! Flossing regularly plays a critical role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Whenever you skip flossing, plaque builds up along your gumline and between your teeth and over time it will increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay!
According to dentists, interdental cleaners like gorilla floss are an essential tool for removing plaque and debris from those parts of your mouth that your toothbrush just can’t reach! Let’s earn more about the benefits of flossing and what happens if you neglect to do it!
- Removes Plaque – Plaque is the colourless sticky film that sticks to your teeth and along your gumline, forming when the bacteria in your mouth mixes with sugary or starchy foods and drinks. These bacteria release acids that break down those carbohydrates. If you neglect to brush your teeth and floss, the bacteria, acids, and carbohydrates all mix together to form a nasty film of plaque that releases acids that attack your tooth enamel! If these destructive acids aren’t removed by brushing and flossing, over time, they will cause cavities.
- Prevents Tartar – Built up plaque hardens and transforms into a substance called tartar that collects along your gumline, and can only be properly removed by a professional dental hygienist giving your teeth a thorough cleaning! Tartar is bad stuff and can greatly increase your risk of developing gum disease. By flossing regularly you remove food particles from around your teeth along with the plaque, preventing those harmful outcomes.
- Reduces Cavities – The tooth decay that can result from neglecting your dental hygiene can lead to cavities, tiny holes that form in the hard surface of your teeth called enamel. This process doesn’t happen overnight, but the longer plaque remains sticking to the enamel of your teeth, the greater your risk that a cavity will develop. If you floss between your teeth at least once a day you can get rid of the hidden food particles and plaque buildup, and lessen your chances of developing tooth decay.
- Prevents Gum Disease – Gum disease is called gingivitis and one of the first signs of it starting is an inflammation around your gums, which may bleed when you are brushing or flossing your teeth. If gingivitis isn’t properly treated, it can lead to a much more serious infection called periodontitis which causes your gums to recede away from your teeth! Your teeth then lose bone support and can become loose. Untreated periodontitis is dangerous and can cause an inflammatory response all through your body! By brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day you can reduce your risk of contracting gum disease. The best way to prevent it is to make an appointment for a professional cleaning by your dentist every six months that can guarantee your teeth and gums stay healthy!
So, please don’t rush off after brushing your teeth without also flossing, your mouth will thank you for it with a big smile!