When it comes to your daily oral hygiene routine, brushing your teeth gets most of the attention. But if you’re skipping flossing, you could be putting more than just your smile at risk—you might also be putting your overall health in danger! Flossing every day does more than just remove debris from between your teeth; it plays a role in preventing serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. Here’s what you need to know, and some tips to help you floss correctly and effectively.
Why Flossing Matters
Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from areas in your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach—mainly, between the teeth and along the gumline. When plaque builds up, it can lead to gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), a serious infection that can cause tooth loss as well as chronic inflammation throughout the body. In fact, studies have even linked gum disease to systemic health problems, including:
- Heart disease, as the inflammation caused by gum disease can contribute to clogged arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Diabetes, since people with gum disease may find it harder to control blood sugar levels.
- Respiratory issues, due to harmful oral bacteria being inhaled into the lungs.
- Tooth loss, which in turn can cause issues with malnutrition and digestion.
Simple Tips to Make Flossing Easier
Flossing might not be the most exciting part of your day, but just like brushing your teeth, this habit should be non-negotiable. Without it, you’re only cleaning about 60% of your tooth surfaces, which is barely more than half. If you fail to floss regularly, you’re creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that will lead to inflammation and potentially long-term dental damage—as well as harm to other systems in your body.
If picking up a roll of traditional floss and getting to work feels like a hassle to use, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are several ways to make flossing easier and more comfortable. Consider these tips:
- Try floss picks or interdental brushes if regular floss is too awkward to use. An oral irrigator (Waterpik) can also do the trick.
- Keep floss in your purse, backpack, desk, or car so that you always have it close by—this means you’re more likely to use it!
- Floss before brushing your teeth to help loosen plaque and allow the fluoride in the toothpaste to reach more surfaces.
- Set a reminder on your smartphone to help make it a recurring part of your daily routine.
Flossing may seem like a small task, but it comes with large benefits. By spending just a couple of minutes each day flossing, you aren’t just preventing serious oral health concerns—you could very well be mitigating issues that would otherwise threaten your very life!
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Tavi Henry, our team here at Dedicated Dentistry has proudly served patients and families in Lakewood and the surrounding community for several years. We offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services, so no matter what your dental goals are, our office can help! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please feel free to reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (303) 984-1400.