When developing a good oral hygiene routine, some people tend to treat flossing as optional. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, it is anything but. In fact, the USDHHS explicitly said that “flossing is an important oral hygiene practice.”
Flossing is essential in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Without it, you will become more at risk of developing oral diseases.
Flossing: Why It’s Important
Here are several reasons why you need to add flossing as a regular part of your oral care routine:
1. Flossing helps to remove plaque from places that your toothbrush can’t get into.
Cleaning between your teeth helps remove plaque that regular brushing can’t remove. By flossing regularly, you can remove this plaque and prevent it from hardening into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.
2. Flossing helps prevent bad breath.
Plaque and bacteria can cause a build-up of unpleasant odors in your mouth. As plaque and bacteria break down the leftover particles of food in your mouth, the process causes an unpleasant-smelling gas to be released. This gas is the reason why breath can smell bad.
By removing plaque and bacteria with floss, you stop this process from happening and keep your breath smelling fresher for longer.
3. Flossing can help prevent gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a serious infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue in your mouth. When left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from along the gum line, which can help prevent gum disease from ever taking root.
4. Flossing can help prevent tooth decay.
Plaque and bacteria can produce acids that attack the enamel on your teeth, leading to cavities and tooth decay. By removing this plaque and bacteria with floss, you can help to protect your teeth from decay and keep them strong and healthy.
5. Flossing can help to prevent other health problems.
The health of the mouth is often linked to the overall health of the body. For example, gum disease has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By maintaining good oral hygiene and flossing regularly, you can help prevent gum disease and reduce your risk of developing these and other health problems.
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