The Top Benefits Flossing Provides
For years now, dentists and many researchers have urged the public to focus more on flossing as a regular component of dental hygiene. Unfortunately, those calls for action have often been to no avail. In fact, large numbers of Americans never floss, and even more floss only on an irregular basis. Naturally, dentists are concerned about this failure to floss, which is why dental hygienists regularly ask patients whether they’ve been following that part of their hygiene program. If you’re one of the many millions who avoids flossing, it’s important to understand why it’s so important. Here are some of the top benefits you can receive when you start making floss a part of your daily dental hygiene.
Flossing Reaches Areas Your Toothbrush Can’t
If your daily oral hygiene is limited to just brushing, then there’s a good portion of your teeth that simply isn’t receiving the attention it needs. That’s because that brush only reaches the top and open surfaces of each tooth. The bristles are less than effective at getting into the spaces between your teeth to clear any bacteria and debris that may be lurking in those little gaps. Dental floss is the best way to remove harmful substances from between teeth.
Flossing Can Help to Control Diabetes
Did you know that dental bacteria can impact your blood’s glucose levels? That’s a real problem for diabetics, and one that should be addressed on a daily basis. By flossing once a day, in combination with a regular program of proper brushing, you can remove that bacteria and help your body stabilize your glucose levels. That makes flossing an important part of any effort to control diabetes.
Flossing Can Improve Your Breath
When it comes to bad breath, most solutions are temporary at best. Sure, you can brush more often or use a more effective mouthwash, but persistent bad breath often defies those techniques. In many cases, the real problem lies at the root of your gums and between the teeth where food, bacteria, and tartar often lurk. Flossing can help clear those substances from your teeth, removing the root cause of your bad breath.
Flossing Can Protect Your Gums
Most people don’t give the floss-gum connection much thought, but they should. Gum disease is a serious matter, and flossing has a role to play in preventing it. You see, debris and plaque can accumulate where the teeth meet the gums, and eventually lead to gingivitis-causing tartar deposits, and then periodontitis. So, floss daily to keep those gums healthy and clean.
Ebenezer Dental is committed to helping all our patients better understand the important role that flossing can play in their dental health. That’s because we know that patients have more power over the health of their teeth and gums than most of them realize. Fortunately, it’s almost never too late to adopt healthy dental hygiene techniques, and the best dentist in midtown Manhattan is always here to help you with effort. To learn more or to schedule your next dental appointment, contact us today.