The health of you smile is among your top priorities. To protect your teeth from tooth decay, you take the time to brush your teeth twice a day, but are you flossing every night? If you are not flossing, you are not doing everything in your power to protect your oral health. Your gums have an important role. When you do not take the time to floss, you are opening the door to gum disease. This preventable infection can have lasting complications for your oral and general health. To promote your mouth and body, your dentist in Gahanna encourages flossing daily to prevent the infection.
Is Flossing Important?
Your toothbrush is your first line of defense against preventable dental issues; however, it is only half of the care your smile needs. Even with the best brushing methods, there are still areas in your mouth where your toothbrush cannot reach, like in between the teeth and around the gum line. If these areas are not flossed regularly, you are leaving 40% of your teeth’s surfaces uncleaned. As a result, tartar will begin to accumulate, which harbors bacteria. Over time, this will lead to a bacterial infection, known as gum disease.
Gum disease can easily be prevented; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 50% of adults in the United States have a form of the infection. It is often the result of less than par oral hygiene habits, like skipping regular flossing.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you floss every night before going to bed. Unfortunately, the ADA reports that only 4 out of 10 adults do so. In addition, 20% of adults never floss. By skipping your nightly flossing, you allow the bacteria to wreak havoc in your mouth.
In addition to swollen, bleeding, and red gums, it will eventually cause the supporting structures for your teeth to deteriorate, leading to tooth loss. Sadly, this is not the only risk from not flossing. The bacteria responsible for the infection can also enter the bloodstream. As it circulates throughout the body, it causes inflammation, leading to cardiovascular disease. In addition, it has shown to cause pulmonary illness, diabetic complications, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Protect Your Mouth and Body
Although you may view it as a chore, it is best to take the time to floss your teeth every night before going to bed to promote a healthy mouth a body. Choose a high-quality dental floss that has earned the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance to clean in between each tooth and around the gum line. By remaining proactive about your gum health, you can help to ensure that your smile stays healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.
About Our Practice
Since 1968, Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna has served the community with comprehensive dental care. With a focus on prevention, we offer the services necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy. To prevent gum disease, visit our office twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.