Mountain View CA
Your dentist and/or dental hygienist has likely reminded you to floss daily, yet nearly 20% of Americans never do. Flossing is essential for maintaining fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums, but why do so many people skip it? Perhaps it feels like an extra chore at the end of a long day, or maybe it was never a habit you developed. However, flossing is the only way to clean between your teeth, and neglecting it increases the risk of gum disease—which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. In today’s blog, our family dentists at Benyammi Family Dentistry highlight four key reasons why daily flossing is essential for your oral health.”
Flossing reduces the risk of gum disease
Brushing twice a day is essential for maintaining oral health, but your toothbrush can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth, known as interproximal areas. These areas can trap food particles, sugars, and bacteria, which, if not removed through flossing, may lead to gum disease—causing bleeding gums, jawbone deterioration, and even tooth loss. Fortunately, flossing just once a day can help prevent these issues and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Flossing freshens your breath
If you only clean two-thirds of your teeth and neglect the spaces between them (interproximal areas) by skipping flossing, bacteria and plaque can accumulate, leading to bad breath. As gum disease progresses, pockets form along the gumline, trapping even more bacteria and worsening the odor. This is why individuals with gum disease often experience persistent bad breath, regardless of how often they brush. Additionally, trapped food particles in these pockets can decay over time, creating an unpleasant, rotten smell.”
Flossing lowers the risk of cavities
Brushing twice a day helps protect the visible surfaces of your teeth from cavities. However, without daily flossing, plaque and debris accumulate between your teeth, increasing the risk of hidden cavities. Neglecting to floss means ignoring one-third of your teeth’s surfaces—leaving your mouth less than truly clean!
Flossing supports overall health by preventing disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is closely linked to poor oral hygiene. This chronic inflammatory condition raises inflammatory markers in your bloodstream, signaling that your body is constantly battling an infection. As a result, it can increase the risk of serious health issues such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and even low birth weight in babies. Neglecting your oral health doesn’t just affect your mouth—it can have a significant impact on your overall well-being.
Family Dentists in Mountain View, CA
Safeguard both your oral and overall health by flossing daily, ideally after your last meal or before bedtime. This quick and simple habit takes just a minute or two but offers significant health benefits beyond your smile. To learn more about maintaining optimal oral health or to schedule an appointment with our Mountain View dentists at Benyammi Family Dentistry, call (650) 254-1596 or request a consultation online.
