The health of your mouth impacts the rest of the body because particles get stuck between your teeth every time you eat food and can eventually cause cavities and periodontal disease. Gum disease can lead to inflammation that travels throughout your body, impacting your heart. When maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth is essential, but more is needed. At Premier Dental Connections, flossing is a critical component of an effective oral care routine that should be noticed. While it may seem simple, flossing is vital in achieving optimal oral health. Flossing is a fundamental part of a complete oral care routine. By incorporating flossing into your daily habits, you can effectively remove plaque, prevent gum disease, protect against cavities, maintain fresh breath, and support your overall health. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to flossing.
The Procedure for Flossing
Use enough floss to wrap around your fingers twice or thrice to remove plaque and bacteria effectively. Use a clean section of floss for every tooth to avoid reintroducing food and bacteria back onto your mouth. Pull the floss gently up and down along the side of the tooth and gently curve it around the side of each tooth to scrape away any debris lodged there. Repeat this process with each tooth, and do not rush through your flossing routine.
The Benefits of Flossing
- By removing the film of bacteria that forms on teeth after eating, flossing eliminates bad breath caused by these tiny food particles and bacteria. In addition, a clean mouth smells better!
- Flossing can help remove stains between the teeth that brushing alone cannot reach. This can prevent unsightly white spots on teeth.
- Like brushing, floss removes bacteria and plaque that can irritate the gums and cause periodontal disease.
- Bacterial infections in the mouth can inflame and weaken the gum tissue supporting your teeth and lead to bone loss, which can cause teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
- If you wear removable braces, you must floss regularly to remove food debris and prevent it from getting stuck under your denture or partial plate.
- Several studies have shown that the bacteria below the gumline can spread through the bloodstream to the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Removing this bacteria through regular flossing and brushing may reduce your risk.
If you have questions about proper flossing techniques or need recommendations for flossing products, visit Premier Dental Connections at New Port Richey, FL, or call (727) 376-2299. Embrace the importance of flossing, and commit to a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
