Not Flossing Every Day? Here’s Why You Should Be!

If you’re like most people, you grew up learning that brushing your teeth twice a day is essential for preventing cavities and other dental problems. While your toothbrush goes a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy, it shouldn’t be the only tool you use in your oral hygiene routine. If you don’t floss every day, you might be putting the health of your smile at risk. Keep reading as a dentist in Richardson explains why flossing is important and how you can get into the habit of flossing daily.

Why Is Flossing Important?

Studies have revealed that around 37% of Americans floss rarely and another 32% admit that they don’t floss at all! If you find yourself in either of these statistics, you’re definitely not alone. However, it doesn’t have to stay that way. In fact, it shouldn’t. Although flossing isn’t exactly the most exciting activity, it’s crucial to your health. Here are three great things that daily flossing can do for you.  

Clean Hard-to-Reach Places

Your toothbrush can only clean three of the five surfaces of your teeth. It cannot get rid of plaque deposits that build up in between the teeth; only floss can do that. Every night before bed, thread a string of floss in between each of your teeth. That way, the plaque has been loosened enough for your toothbrush to scrub it all away.

Prevent Gum Disease

When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar and sinks below the gums. There, it can cause inflammation and bleeding, which is often an early warning sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. At this point, you need to start flossing (and contact your dentist) right away to prevent permanent gum damage.

Improve Overall Wellness

Flossing isn’t just great for your mouth; it also prevents general health issues. Research has linked gum disease to a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and more. By taking just a minute or two a day to floss, you can enjoy greater overall wellness for years to come!

Discover the Benefits of Flossing for Yourself!  

If you don’t floss regularly, you may need to set reminders for yourself until it becomes a habit. Try placing a sticky note on the bathroom mirror so that you’ll remember. It also helps to place your floss container on your pillow so that you can’t go to bed without being reminded to floss.

Flossing may not seem that important, but this small daily activity can go a long way toward helping you maintain a healthy smile and body for life!

About the Author

Dr. Hamid Mirsepasi is a dentist in Richardson, TX with more than 20 years of experience. In addition to his standard dental training, he has earned a Graduate Prosthodontic Specialty Certificate, as well as a Master of Science in Dentistry, from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (now known as the Rutgers University Dental School). While he excels at replacing missing teeth, he’d rather take a preventive approach to help you keep your natural ones. To learn more tips for at-home oral hygiene, visit his website or contact his dental office at (972) 231-5744.