If you’ve heard it once, you’ve most likely heard it a thousand times: flossing your teeth is imperative to the condition of your oral health. Although most of the patients we see tend to brush regularly (2-3 times per day), they’re still neglecting the responsibility of flossing. Flossing will not work effectively if you only do it twice or three times a month. Here are four good reasons you should floss your teeth daily:

 

Plaque Develops Quickly

 

Plaque moves quickly and it does not take long for it to settle in place. Flossing works diligently to remove plaque caused by remnants of food left on the surface of your teeth. Within a couple of hours of eating food that is high in carbohydrates, plaque will begin to harden on the surface of your teeth. The plaque will deteriorate your enamel leaving you more susceptible to cavities or root canals.

 

Your Gums Will Be Less Inflamed

 

We hear it all the time, “I don’t floss because whenever I do, my gums bleed.” However, this bleeding isn’t caused by the flossing, instead, it caused by your lack of flossing. Your gums bleed because they are slightly infected, and when you floss you are helping your immune system combat the infections. The more you floss, the less blood you will see and the stronger & healthier your gums will be. Flossing will prevent periodontal disease which can severely damage your oral health and overall health.

 

Your Entire Body Will Thank You

 

It’s hard to imagine how flossing could impact your overall health, after all, the only thing it does is remove plaque stuck on and in between your teeth. However, flossing is a preventative method used to reduce your risk of contracting illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and mouth cancer. Gum disease affects much more than the colour of your teeth, it increases your risk of tooth loss and the health of your gums. Ensure you’re taking preventative care of your entire body by flossing daily!

 

Strengthen Your Teeth

 

As previously mentioned, your teeth can withstand a lot of pressure; the pressure of your bite helps you chew through tough meats and chewy foods. However, if your gums are not healthy you may feel pain and aches when trying to bite through certain foods. Even when you try to drink cold or hot beverages, you may experience waves of sensitivity which could indicate that you have a cavity that needs attention.

 

Brushing your teeth daily is great for your oral health and the more you do it the whiter and brighter your smile will be. However, brushing alone can’t ensure that you will avoid gum disease or cavities. Ensure that you floss 2-3 times a day and make dentist appointments at least once every year for optimal results! For more information or to book an appointment, contact High Prairie & Area Dental Clinic!