Family Dentistry
Complex dentistry
You Should Floss: If flossing isn’t part of your everyday oral health routine, it should be. That is, if you want healthy gums and teeth.
The recommendation from the Australian Dental Association is that adults and children floss their teeth once a day for at least two minutes. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush is also recommended.
Here are a few reasons why you should floss regularly.
Flossing removes plaque and reduces the risk of dental cavities or caries. Plaque is a sticky film that accumulates around and between teeth and along the gumline. It forms when bacteria, acids, food and saliva mix together.
Dental plaque, when it isn’t removed through flossing (and toothbrushing), can cause tooth decay, dissolving tooth enamel and creating cavities. When it hardens and turns into tartar, then gum disease may develop.
Gum disease can be unpleasant. It can even be dangerous. Pain, tenderness and bleeding are common gum disease symptoms. Serious infections may cause gum recession, tooth loss and systemic health problems.
Typically, gum disease begins with mild gum inflammation known as gingivitis. It then progresses over time to periodontitis. Fortunately, you can prevent gum infection altogether with daily flossing and brushing.
Suffer from halitosis? Chronic bad breath is an embarrassing problem that can cause significant psychological distress, but flossing every day can help keep the condition under control. See halitosis treatment.
Food that gets stuck between the teeth when we eat naturally decays with time. The result, generally, is foul-smelling breath. By flossing to remove the food particles (and plaque), you can eliminate the foul smell.
Consistently flossing and brushing your teeth is the way to go if you want a healthy, fresh-smelling mouth. However, there is evidence that the benefits of good dental hygiene extend to the cardiovascular system as well.
In a 2019 study, for example, researchers found that improved oral hygiene care was associated with a lower risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation amongst participants. Both are potentially deadly diseases.
As you can see, it’s important to floss and brush your teeth daily for not only dental but also physical health. Thorough cleanings by a professional dental hygienist every six months can be highly beneficial, too.
Contact Integrity Dental today to set up an appointment with one of our dental specialists.