The Importance of Flossing Every Day
Posted on April 2nd, 2021
Why Should You Floss?
Most of us know the importance of brushing our teeth twice a day, but how often do you floss? Flossing is a vital part of maintaining the health of our gums, teeth, and even the health of our jaw bones, since gingivitis can eventually lead to periodontal disease (a gum infection that damages the tissue and jaw bone).
While brushing your teeth helps remove bacteria and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, it cannot get rid of the food particles and bacteria that live between your teeth. Flossing should be performed twice a day, like brushing, and especially after eating foods like candy or popcorn, which are notorious for sticking to and between teeth.
Plaque is a film of bacteria that grows on and around teeth. It starts to harden in just a few hours after being deposited. It is sticky and colorless but can eventually become tartar, which is typically yellow or brown, and much more difficult to remove. Flossing reduces plaque buildup in the mouth and prevents it from accumulating and becoming tartar, which is what occurs when plaque calcifies.
Plaque buildup can cause inflammation and lead to gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, swelling, infection, even heart problems.
Not flossing daily may also lead to bad breath, receding gums, and general tooth decay.
Flossing For Kids
Getting kids excited about flossing can be difficult. However, teaching them how to properly floss and brush their teeth is vital to ensuring they maintain good oral hygiene and keep their teeth healthy throughout their life.
If you are looking for a trustworthy source for children’s dental care and helpful tips, contact Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, one of the best pediatric dentists near Chicago, IL.
