Flossing is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque from between the teeth, where brushing alone cannot reach and reduce the risk of gum disease. Flossing should be a regular part of your dental care routine. It keep dentures away besides preventing periodontal disease. Even though twice-daily tooth brushing is essential, but brushing alone cannot guarantee prevention of gum disease and tooth loss. Regular use of dental floss helps to prevent the buildup of plaque.
Here are six reasons why flossing is so important:
Avoid Gum Disease
Dental plaque is made up of bacteria, viruses and protozoa. If plaque gets accumulated, it can cause inflammation and lead to gingivitis. If gingivitis is not taken care of, it may develop into periodontitis, a more advanced and more severe stage of the disease. Periodontitis damages the alveolar bone that holds teeth in the jaw. If not treated, this disease may therefore eventually lead to tooth loss.
Also read: Home remedies to treat sore gums
Avoid Dental Caries
Flossing eliminates dental plaque and food debris remaining in the area that is between two teeth. Because it is where tooth decay commonly forms, dental caries can be avoided with floss.
To Prevent Bad Breath
If dental plaque that is found between teeth is not cleaned, it will eventually release a bad smell from your mouth. This is a major reason why a person may suffer from bad breath (halitosis). Tooth decay and gum disease, also caused by dental plaque, are a source of a bad smell in the mouth as well.
To Prevent Tartar Build-up
Dental plaque can build u and turn into tartar by the calcifying action from the saliva. Only regular flossing and scaling in a dental office can remove the tartar around teeth.
To Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
If you have a heart disease, you must be very vigilant with your oral hygiene. The mouth is an entry point to harmful bacteria and it can reach cardiac tissue. Infective endocarditis is the inflammation of a part of the heart caused by bacteria. Keep your mouth and teeth clean to reduce the risk of complications.
Also read: Cardiovascular disease risk factors
To Avoid the Complications of Diabetes
Diabetes can be aggravated when someone has gum disease. That's why flossing is very important. In addition, a person who suffers from diabetes has organs that usually heal more slowly. Tissue inflammation can therefore develop more rapidly, particularly at the gum level. It is very important to remove dental plaque and tartar regularly to avoid developing or complicating gum disease.
It is not yet too late to start adding flossing to your daily routine. Starting and sustaining a good oral care regimen is advantageous at any stage in a person’s life.
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