What Will Be the Benefit to Your Teeth if You Floss?
You have probably heard your dentist or orthodontist tell you several times before that you need to floss your teeth. It’s very important to your oral hygiene health. However, you might not be sure of the exact benefits of flossing, especially if no one has ever told you before.
If you’re searching for an orthodontist in Allentown, NJ, that can help you with flossing and knowing all the amazing benefits it has, come to Bordentown Braces.
We have also written this guide to ensure you know all the amazing benefits of flossing your teeth; that way, you never miss a day!
The Purpose of Flossing
The main purpose of flossing is to get rid of all the small food particles that can hide in between your teeth. These are often too small to get dislodged by a toothbrush, so they can remain in between your teeth even when you have brushed very well.
You will want to remove all these food particles so that you can have a healthy and plaque-free smile.
Here are some of the more amazing benefits of flossing.
Reduces Your Chance of Getting Cavities
When you have food that remains in your teeth, you are more likely to get cavities because food stuck in the teeth can cause plaque buildup. Plaque can then lead to cavities which are small holes in the teeth enamel.
You cannot get a cavity overnight, though. This means even if it has been years or months without flossing, it’s never too late to start. The more plaque you have, the more of a chance you will get a cavity, so make sure you head to your local dentist for a thorough cleaning.
You can then begin flossing every day at home to ensure plaque does not build up on the teeth. Make sure to floss at least once a day, preferably at the end of the day when there are the most hidden food pieces that need to be dislodged.
Less Chance of Getting Gum Disease
Gum disease can lead to many different problems both in your mouth and even in other parts of the body if the germs from the mouth spread. If you have gum disease, you might notice that your gums are very red or that your gums bleed when you brush and floss.
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, but this can lead to periodontitis if not treated. Once it becomes periodontitis, it is much more serious because it can cause the gums to recede, which can, in turn, cause your teeth to not have support in the gums. This can cause them to be exposed and decay as well as fall out eventually.
Periodontitis can even affect other bodily systems causing inflammation in other organs which is very serious.
Gum disease can be prevented by flossing once a day and brushing twice a day. You should also go to the dentist twice a year so they can look out for signs of periodontitis and treat it sooner rather than later.
Gets Rid of Plaque
You cannot see plaque, but it’s a sticky film that covers the teeth and gums. You definitely do not want it in your mouth for long, which is why we recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. One of the main benefits of flossing is that it can remove plaque very effectively.
Plaque grows easier when the bacteria that you have in your mouth mix with sugar. This is why we recommend also staying away from sugary drinks and food as much as possible.
Bacteria mixed with plaque can also cause acid, which can cause cavities. Flossing can remove this acid as well as the plaque and bacteria that build up in the mouth throughout the day.
Tartar and plaque are one of the most dangerous issues you can have with your mouth because they can stay on the gum line and cause gum disease very easily.
No More Bad Breath
Bad breath is a common issue when you first wake up in the morning or after you have eaten certain foods. Once you brush and floss, though, this issue should go away.
If you notice you still have bad breath, it might be because of the plaque that is building up between the teeth and causing the tooth enamel to decay. This can lead to serious bad breath, and you should see your dentist right away.
Make sure to floss regularly, as this can help prevent bad breath. You should also brush twice a day to further help the issue.
Better Heart Health
When you neglect your teeth, you also neglect other parts of the body. There are even some studies that show day flossing can help to prevent heart disease. Plus, if you are taking care of your oral hygiene, you are more than likely taking good care of other parts of your body as well, which means your overall health is good.
Flossing Recommendations
Here at Bordentown Braces, we recommend flossing at least once a day. If you feel food stuck in your teeth after eating, you should immediately floss and remove it as well. You should floss your teeth before brushing them because brushing after will help to remove the particles that have come out from between the teeth.
There are many different kinds of floss you can use. If you find that the traditional way of flossing is too difficult, you can try using a water flosser or an air flosser. This allows you to remove food particles much easier.
Final Thoughts
There are tons of benefits to flossing your teeth, including better oral health and better breath. If you are having trouble flossing, you can schedule an appointment with us today. We can give you some tricks and help show you how to floss well.
Give us a call today at 609-291-8555, and we can schedule you an appointment for routine cleaning as well as give you flossing advice.
Looking for braces or Invisalign? Looking for an board certified Orthodontist in Central NJ that treats kids, teens and adults? Bordentown Braces serves all surrounding areas of Bordentown, NJ including:
