San Francisco and Marin CA
According to data from surveys, approximately one-third of American adults do not floss at all. Are you one of them? Failing to floss daily, much less failing to floss at all, elevates your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and other hazards to your oral health. If your flossing is sporadic or nonexistent, consider these five reasons to floss daily, as compiled by your San Francisco dentists at Glen Park Dental.
Reason 1: Flossing fights tooth decay
Flossing is really the only effective method to clean between your teeth. Those small crevices are too difficult to reach with any toothbrush. Food particles, bacteria and plaque can build up between your teeth just like they can on your teeth. Daily flossing keeps these spaces clean and lowers your overall susceptibility to cavities.
Reason 2: Flossing helps prevent gum disease
If you have not been flossing as recommended, or at all, you might notice your gums bleed when you finish. Don’t stop flossing! Bleeding gums is an indication of the accumulation of bacteria, potential tarter and general inflammation of your gums – all of which contribute to the infection that causes gum disease. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, gum disease can lead to a host of consequences, including tooth loss.
Reason 3: Flossing prevents heart disease
One of the possible consequences of gum disease is that the plaque and bacteria from your gums may filter into your bloodstream. From there, the plaque can attach to artery walls or blood vessels, leading to coronary artery disease. Research conducted at Harvard found that an individual with gum disease had two to three times higher risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack or stroke.
Reason 4: Flossing combats bad breath
What happens to those food particles between your teeth if you do not floss? Well, they eventually break down and start to decay in your mouth. As they decay, they emit a foul order that can make your breath smell… less than pleasant, to say the least. Bad breath can be a real turn-off in both professional and social settings, so reach for that floss to avoid halitosis.
Reason 5: Flossing improves the appearance of your smile
The less plaque and bacteria that congregate in your mouth, the better your smile will look. Combined with brushing twice daily, as the American Dental Association recommends, will keep your teeth looking good while also enjoying the health benefits.
Family dentistry in San Francisco and Marin in California
Now that you understand all the reasons you floss daily, you may be unsure about the proper way to floss, especially if you haven’t in a while. No worries! When you schedule a dental checkup at Glen Park Dental, a member of our staff can answer any questions that you might have and can review oral care techniques, such as flossing. If you’re due for a dental checkup or you’re in need of a new dentist to serve you and your family, then contact Glen Park Dental today. Just schedule your consultation today by calling (415) 585-1500 or contact us online.
