We all know that flossing can be a hard thing to do. But you must floss your teeth at least once a day if you want to keep your oral health in good shape. Here are just five of the many reasons why flossing is one of the best things you can do for your teeth and gums.
1. Stop Tooth Decay And Fix It
Plaque is a soft, white substance that grows on the surface of your teeth. It is home to bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food you eat. When these bacteria have had enough of these sugars, they make acids that are bad for your teeth and wear away the enamel. So, when you have food stuck between your teeth or in those hard-to-reach places, the bacteria that cause tooth decay go on a feeding frenzy and slowly destroy your teeth. Because of this, cavities are more likely to form in the gaps between your teeth. When done right, flossing is a good way to get rid of food stuck between the teeth and protect against tooth disease.
2. Avoid Getting Periodontal Disease
When germs are present, your gums can be hurt in the same way that your tooth enamel can be. Because food is stuck between your teeth, bacteria are able to make acids. It is these acids that cause gum inflammation. This inflammation eventually leads to gingivitis, which is an infection of the gums. Gingivitis is the mild, early stage of gum disease. If gum disease is not treated, it can lead to a number of serious health problems, such as heart disease, respiratory illness, and stroke. Because flossing is such a good way to prevent this process from happening, it is an important part of any routine for treating oral health problems.
3. Don't Let Tartar Build Up
Plaque is something that always forms on its own in your mouth. The good news is that it is soft and can be easily removed from your teeth by doing basic oral hygiene like brushing and flossing. But if plaque stays on your teeth for too long, it can harden into a brownish-black substance called tartar. Tartar is hard to get rid of on your own, so it's best to see a dentist. Tartar not only makes your teeth look worse, but it can also hurt your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth. To stop this from happening, you must floss regularly to get rid of the plaque that gets stuck in the spaces between your teeth and gums.
4. Get Rid Of Your Bad Breath
One of the most common causes of bad breath, also called halitosis, is the buildup of germs in the mouth. One's health may be compromised in a variety of ways, which may result in this symptom. This problem is more likely to happen to people who don't floss regularly and let germs and food build up between their teeth. It could be a very common thing. Regular flossing is an effective way to get rid of these germs and keep your breath smelling good.
5. Keep A Smile On Your Face
If you care about your oral health and how your smile looks, you should floss your teeth every day. When you floss your teeth, you reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay, both of which can make the surface of your teeth look yellow. Gum disease can also cause the gum line to shrink, which can make your teeth look longer. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you can make them look better and keep them in good health. You can visit our periodontist in Shadyside for any questions related to your dental and gum health.