The Perils of Procrastination: Don’t Put Off Flossing Your Teeth

Dentists have long stressed the importance of flossing, so most people would assume that almost everybody follows that advice. Sadly, that is simply not the case. While the American Dental Association (ADA) officially recommends flossing on a daily basis, the number of people who actually adhere to that recommendation is reportedly well below 50% – and almost one in five Americans don’t ever floss. Many patients report an increase in flossing in the wake of a dentist visit, but that seldom lasts beyond a few days or weeks before they’re back to intermittent flossing or ignore the process completely.

For many, flossing is an inconvenience that is all too easy to put off until later. However, there are some very good reasons why procrastination in this area of oral health can be a very bad thing for your teeth and gums. Here are some of the most important reasons to stop procrastinating and start flossing:

Brushing Can’t Do the Job Alone

The fact is that brushing just isn’t enough when it comes to taking care of your teeth, and relying on professional flossing once every six months isn’t going to accomplish optimal results either. A toothbrush is a great tool for removing plaque from the surface of your teeth, but those bristles can’t get everywhere they need to go. Floss is designed to get in between the teeth and under the gums, where brush bristles simply can’t reach.

Flossing Prevents Tartar

Most people dread the discomfort they experience when dentists scrape around their gums to get rid of the hardened plaque known as tartar. Unfortunately, the only way to avoid that scraping is to prevent tartar from forming, and that can only be done by removing soft plaque with floss – before it has a chance to build up and harden into tartar.

Flossing Can Prevent Disease

If preventing tooth or gum disease isn’t enough of an incentive to have you grabbing that piece of floss, then consider this: regular flossing can help you prevent other diseases as well. Research indicates that periodontal disease can contribute to heart disease and other ailments. Can you afford to put off flossing if there’s even a chance that you’re putting yourself at risk for serious disease?

Flossing Can Help Your Teeth Last a Lifetime!

Flossing doesn’t just remove plaque; it helps to protect the gums as well. Without healthy gums, you run the risk of suffering eventual tooth. When you floss properly each day, you can keep your teeth and gums free of the plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria that can put your teeth at risk.

At Ebenezer Dental, we do more than just provide you with the regular dental check-ups in Midtown Manhattan that you need. Our caring professionals will also work with you to develop the type of regular oral hygiene program you need to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your entire life. Regular brushing and flossing should be an important part of any health regimen, so let us help you learn how to stop procrastinating and start taking better care of your mouth today.