Periodontists emphasise the importance of daily flossing to their patients, but they don't always have the time to explain why it matters so much. Here are several reasons why flossing every day is likely to make your periodontist happy with the state of your gums.
1. Flossing Removes Plaque
Dental plaque is a film of bacteria that grows on the teeth. Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth but does not reach into the spaces between the teeth. Flossing is your chance to clean deep into the interdental gaps, removing plaque.
If you do not remove dental plaque, it can turn into tartar, a scaly substance that is difficult to remove yourself at home. The bacteria in tartar can irritate the gums, causing inflammation, pain and putting you at risk of tooth loss.
2. Flossing Tackles Gum Disease
If your periodontist has told you that you have gum disease, then it is more important than ever for you to make flossing a priority. Treatment for gum disease involves getting rid of the bacteria that have infected the gums. Removing plaque from between the teeth is an important part of that process. Your periodontist might also recommend that you use a medicated mouth rinse that contains antibacterial ingredients.
3. Flossing is Good for Your Health
Gum disease increases your risk of many health conditions, ranging from heart disease to stroke. The bacteria that contribute to gum disease may also have an effect on these other conditions. By helping to remove bacteria and reduce the risk of gum disease, flossing could help to protect your overall health.
4. Flossing Doesn't Have to Be Difficult
Many people do not like to floss because it makes their gums bleed. However, you should persevere with flossing because this bleeding usually subsides as the gums get healthier. However, if you cannot get on with string floss, there are many alternatives. Floss picks, interdental brushes and water flossers are all options you could try.
5. Flossing Fights Bad Breath
Many people feel embarrassed about the smell of their breath when they attend appointments with their dentist or periodontist. By removing traces of food from between the teeth, flossing can prevent your breath from smelling of garlic, spices or other strong-smelling foods. Flossing also reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which can help to make your breath smell better.
For more information, contact a local periodontic office.
Share26 July 2021
When I had my first child, I was a nervous wreck. Every book I read gave different advice, and I just wanted to be right! By the time I had my third child, some of the stress had abated. I now realised, there were tons of different perspectives on everything related to raising children including dentistry. To help parents, I have created this blog dedicated to unraveling dental myths about children. I am including posts that weigh both sides of issues such as thumb sucking, dental caries, breastfeeding, flossing and any other topic I can think of. I hope you find the information you need to unravel dental myths, but most importantly, I hope you find some peace of mind. With kids and dentistry, there can be more than one right answer, and I want you to be able to relax and go with the answer that's right for you.
