6 Reasons why Flossing is so important

Why is flossing so important, and why should everyone floss every day? When you’ve had a hard day at work and have just brushed your teeth before going to sleep, why give that extra effort to floss? Is it essential?

Here’s something interesting to consider: your mouth is a door to your body. Everything that constitutes your body has come in from your mouth, whether it is food, liquids, or bacteria. Bad and harmful bacteria in dental plaque cannot be removed only by brushing alone; if it remains in your mouth, they can find their way into your body!

Plaque is a soft and white accumulation of microorganisms, and it contains about 400 different species of bacteria and billions of individual germs in each milligram of plaque. Most of these germs are harmful, but some can damage the teeth or the gums when they gather in thick layers.

Dentists and dental hygienists always insist on the importance of flossing and recommend doing it twice a day. Here are six excellent reasons why you should listen to them:

1. To prevent tooth decay

Dental plaque can cause cavities if it’s left between teeth. When mixed with sugar, the bacteria that live in plaque can start the process of tooth decay. This is why it’s bad for plaque to be left in your mouth. Brushing alone does not clean in between teeth; only dental floss can remove plaque in those areas.

2. To prevent gum disease

Gingivitis (inflammation of gums) is the first stage of gum disease (periodontal disease). An accumulation of plaque around the gums and between teeth causes it. Plaque also contains bacteria that are harmful to the gums. Flossing is, therefore, essential to remove all plaque accumulated after a meal.

3. To prevent halitosis

Dental plaque is one of the causes of halitosis, and if it’s left between your teeth, it will generate a bad smell in your mouth. This odor comes from the metabolism of the bacteria contained in plaque. Bad breath can also be caused by gum disease and tooth decay, primarily driven by plaque.

4. To prevent tartar build-up

Tartar is dental plaque that has become hard from the saliva’s calcifying action. Suitable oral hygiene measures, which include brushing and flossing, can slow down the accumulation of tartar but do not remove it. Some people produce tartar more than others. Regular dental cleanings are recommended to remove tartar.

5. To reduce the risk of heart disease

As mentioned earlier, the mouth is an entry point to harmful bacteria that may eventually reach the body’s organs, including cardiac tissue. Dental plaque, which contains dangerous bacteria, must be eliminated to prevent those micro-organisms from reaching the heart through the bloodstream and causing heart disease complications.

6. To avoid the complications of diabetes

There is scientific evidence that people who have diabetes can have their condition complicated by gum disease. People with diabetes usually have a weaker immune system and take more time to fight inflammations and infections, including the ones that start in the mouth. That’s why oral hygiene, which includes daily brushing and flossing, is essential to prevent diseases or disease complications like diabetes.

Why is flossing so important?

Flossing is an essential part of a healthy oral hygiene routine. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line, which reduces your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Flossing also stimulates the gums, which can help improve circulation in the mouth.

Flossing also helps to prevent bad breath. Bacteria that cause bad breath can build up in areas that are hard to reach with brushing alone, such as between teeth and the gum line. By flossing regularly, you can reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, helping to keep your breath fresh.

Finally, flossing is essential for overall health. Studies have shown that people who floss regularly have lower levels of inflammation-causing bacteria in their bodies than those who do not. This means regular flossing may help reduce inflammation throughout the body, improving overall health.