Have you ever wondered why flossing is so important? Perhaps you’re one of those people who hate to floss, and don’t see the point. Only dentists, supermodels, and neat-freaks floss every day, right?
Well, the plain truth is that flossing is important if you plan to keep your natural teeth throughout your life. (And, you don’t have to be a dentist, a supermodel, or a neat-freak to make flossing a part of your hygiene routine.)
The bottom line is that flossing leads to a cleaner, healthier mouth. Will you die of some incurable bacterial disease if you don’t floss twice a day? Not likely. But the more often you floss, the higher your chances of avoiding health complications.
Let’s take a look at what flossing really does for your body.
1. Flossing removes food particles stuck between your teeth. If you’ve even eaten popcorn only to find a see hull in your mouth the next day, you know that food can be lodged in some strange places in your mouth- and brushing doesn’t always reach all those strange hidden pockets in your mouth. Food particles slowly rot in your mouth unless removed and lead to cavities and bad breath. Flossing keeps your teeth healthy and your breath fresh.
2. Flossing is important because it helps rid your mouth of bacteria trapped between your teeth. Bacteria breeds in warm, dark, moist places, and the spaces between your teeth provide an optimal environment for bacteria to flourish. Bacteria build up leads to bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, and a whole host of complications elsewhere in your body if conditions are right. If you have any chronic health problems (diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, chronic wounds or pain, even sever seasonal allergies), the bacteria in your mouth can travel to other parts of your body and cause serious complications. Poor dental care can lead to a heart condition, paralysis, or even death in rare cases.
3. Flossing removes plaque and undisturbed plaque leads to tartar, which contributes to developing gum disease and tooth loss.
Flossing is important because it keeps you healthy. It also increases your chances of keeping all your teeth for the rest of your life and diminishes bad breath. When made a part of your daily hygiene routine, flossing enhances the quality of your life just as much as bathing and eating well.
If you have not made flossing an important part of your daily routine, it’s never too late to start. Each time you floss, you make your mouth a healthy part of your body.