We’re constantly told how important flossing is for our oral health, yet for many of us, it isn’t something we do as recommended – or even at all. Flossing is important, sure, but brushing and using mouthwash is enough to clean your teeth, right? Do you really need to floss? There are many benefits of flossing that a lot of people don’t realize. Flossing is essential for your oral health in a number of different ways.
Here’s what you need to know about some of the top benefits of flossing so you can better understand just why flossing is so important. Let’s dive in!
#1. It Cleans Those In-Between Spaces
Yes, your toothbrush cleans the plaque away from the fronts and backs of your teeth, but it can’t reach the spaces in between them. A lot of people assume that just swishing mouthwash around your mouth will do what your toothbrush can’t. However, plaque is stubborn and gunk can be very hard to get out from in between your teeth.
One of the benefits of flossing is that it makes cleaning the spaces between your teeth easier, and is very effective about it too. Plaque and gunk can get really stuck to the surface of your teeth, necessitating mechanical removal, as flossing provides. Brushing removes these things from the fronts and backs of your teeth, but it can’t entirely clean in between them.
#2. It Makes Your Teeth Look Brighter
When you have plaque and excess food particles stuck in between your teeth, it can really dampen your smile. It makes your smile look duller and less crisp and beautiful. One of the benefits of flossing that isn’t talked about as much is how much it can do to brighten your teeth. The difference between a smile that has plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth and one that is fresh and clean in every way can be astounding.
If you don’t floss regularly, you may have grown accustomed to how your teeth look with the buildup of plaque between them. But when you floss, the difference is as clear as night versus day, and you’ll realize just how much your teeth needed that cleaning.
#3. It Makes Your Gums Stronger
One of the most common protests against flossing daily is that it makes your gums bleed. In truth, this is precisely why you need to floss. It may seem counterintuitive initially, to floss when it hurts and is making your gums bleed. However, this is typically because your gums are inflamed due to all the bacteria that’s built up and that you are now working to clean out by flossing.
One of the benefits of flossing is that if you’re consistent about it, that bleeding and pain will typically stop, and you’ll be left with stronger, healthier gums. It’s important to floss regularly in order to prevent gum disease. It’s equally important to ensure that you’re flossing correctly. We have a few blogs about how to floss correctly and proper flossing techniques.
If your gums are still bleeding and hurting when you floss after a week or two, consult with your dentist. They’ll be able to determine why this is happening and whether or not there are underlying issues that need to be addressed.
#4. Stave Off The Dental Drill
Very few people like having dentists drilling into their teeth in order to fill a cavity. One of the best benefits of flossing is that it helps you prevent cavities, and ergo, avoid the dental drill. It does this by removing the plaque and food particles that, over time, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay results in cavities and cavities result in your teeth getting drilled in order to remove the decay. Flossing once a day can go a long, long way to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
#5. Reduce Bad Breath
Sure, brushing and mouthwash help your breath, but you also need to floss in order to keep your breath fresh and clean. Many people don’t realize that this is one of the benefits of flossing because they don’t think about how when plaque and food particles get stuck in between your teeth, they’ll start to decay, which can ergo lead to bad breath. Flossing daily can prevent this from happening.
Do You Want To Learn More Benefits Of Flossing?
Mountain View Dental is here to help you maintain your oral health. If you have any questions about flossing – how to do it, why you should do it, etc, our dentists are happy to answer them. Contact us today to learn more about flossing or to set up an appointment.
