graphic of floss and toilet paper, 2 rolls that should never be empty.

4 Vital Health Benefits of Flossing

Good oral hygiene is important for your oral and general health. We all know to brush twice a day and floss once a day. But sometimes regular flossing falls by the wayside. What happens when you don’t floss regularly? I know you’ve heard this before but, food particles in between your gums and teeth initiate bacterial activity. This leads to plaque buildup and unpleasant breath. Now, here’s something you haven’t heard. You miss more than trapped food and plaque when you don’t floss on a regular basis.

4 Vital Health Benefits of Flossing

  1. Reduces bad breath. Regular flossing removes food particles. Food particles left in the mouth too long begin to break down. Dense proteins such as meats, dairy, or fish break down to volatile sulfur compound. These compounds cause your breath to smell bad.
  2. Reduces the risk of gum disease. Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is caused by plaque formation on the teeth. If plaque sits on your teeth too long, it hardens into tartar. Regular flossing helps prevent plaque formation.
  3. Reduces your risk of diabetes. Untreated gum disease leads to periodontitis. Periodontitis is the severe infection and inflammation of your gums. Bacteria from your infected gums can enter your bloodstream. The systemic inflammation caused by periodontitis can increase your risk for diabetes.
  4. Reduces the risk of heart disease. People with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Inflammation in your mouth and gums can contribute to damaged arteries.

Regular flossing can reduce your risk of bad breath, gum disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Floss at least once a day. Use a piece of floss that’s approximately 15 to 18 inches long and wrap each end around your index fingers.

Slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it around the side of the tooth in the shape of the letter C. Move the floss up and down, carefully scrubbing both sides of the adjacent teeth. Continue this motion until you have flossed all of your teeth.

Remember to schedule regular exams and cleaning to maintain proper oral health. If it’s been more than six months since your last exam and cleaning, call my office to schedule your appointment.
You deserve to have your very best health,
Dr. Pearce