Three Reasons You Should Floss Daily

Three Reasons You Should Floss Daily

A complete oral hygiene routine should include, at minimum, twice-daily brushing, once-daily flossing, and visits to your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. Yet, many people only floss occasionally or not at all. This puts them at risk of serious health problems (not to mention the fact that they are more likely to require extensive dental work). If you’re neglecting to floss because you find it difficult, talk to your dentist about solutions. You might find that switching the type of floss you use or using a handled flosser will fix the problem.

Flossing every day can help prevent gum disease and tooth loss.

Brushing alone is insufficient to remove all of the plaque and food debris that accumulates in your mouth on a daily basis. Your brush simply can’t reach between teeth or underneath the gum line effectively. In fact, when you floss after brushing, you may be amazed at how much food debris your brush left behind. By flossing at least once per day, you’re reducing the risk of developing gum disease. Since gum disease can lead to tooth loss, daily flossing will also protect your natural teeth.

By flossing every day, you can preserve your youthful looks.

Did you know that flossing could be considered a beauty treatment? That’s because advanced gum disease can eat away at the structures that support your teeth. When these bones deteriorate, the lower third of your face can develop a sunken appearance. This can make you look older than you really are.

Daily flossing will support your overall wellness.

There are significant links between your oral health and your overall health. Periodontal disease is an infection that isn’t always limited to your mouth. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout your body. A growing body of evidence suggests that because of this, periodontal disease has links to  heart disease. In addition, periodontal disease can increase the risk of poor blood sugar control and diabetic complications in patients who have diabetes.

At the dental office of John R. Carson, DDS in Tucson, we take a collaborative approach toward helping our patients achieve better oral health. If you’re having problems flossing because of arthritis or another issue, we’ll be happy to help you identify solutions to overcome these common challenges. Get in touch with our friendly office staff at (520) 514-7203 to request an appointment today.