Do you floss daily? For the sake of clarity, we’re not referring to the floss dance. We know many people do the dance. Are you flossing your teeth daily? If you’re not, make flossing a part of your oral hygiene routine.
Did you know there are many bacteria found in plaque? Some bacteria are good and the rest are bad. The bad bacteria that causes gum disease can leave the mouth and spread through your body. The team at Clinton Dental Center wants you to know flossing regularly is good for your overall health and your oral health.
Flossing Can Help Lower the Risk Of:
- Heart Disease — Patients with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have coronary artery disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. The inflammation caused by gum disease can contribute to damaging arteries.
- Diabetes — Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) is a severe infection and inflammation of your gums. The bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream and spread throughout your body. The resulting inflammation increases your risk of becoming a diabetic.
- Gum Disease — Gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, is caused by plaque formation on the teeth. When plaque stays on your teeth too long, it hardens into tartar. Regular flossing can prevent plaque buildup.
- Bad Breath — Flossing regularly removes trapped food particles. When food particles stay in the mouth too long, they break down. Foods like meat, dairy, or fish break down into sulfur compounds. The compounds can cause your breath to smell bad.
How to Floss Your Teeth
Floss your teeth at least once a day. Take a piece of floss 15 to 18 inches long and wrap the ends around your index fingers. Put the floss between your teeth and wrap it around the side of the tooth, forming the shape of the letter C. Slide the floss up and down carefully along both sides of the adjacent teeth. Repeat this motion until you have flossed all of your teeth.
Brushing and flossing work together. If you’re not flossing regularly, you leave up to 35 percent of the surfaces of your teeth unclean. Toothbrush bristles can’t reach everywhere. Floss reaches the food and bacteria trapped between your teeth and gums.
Schedule regular exams and cleanings to keep your mouth healthy. Has it been over six months since your last visit? If you live in Chesterfield, Michigan, or the surrounding areas, call our office to schedule an appointment.
