Why Should I Use Dental Floss?

In the realm of oral hygiene, brushing your teeth claims most of the spotlight. However, dental floss, often relegated to the wings, plays an equally vital role in maintaining a healthy mouth. Despite its understated presence in our daily routines, the importance of flossing cannot be overstated. This article delves into the reasons behind the necessity of incorporating dental floss into your oral care regimen, highlighting its benefits beyond just removing food particles stuck between your teeth.

Comprehensive Plaque Removal

While brushing your teeth is effective in cleaning the outer and inner surfaces, it falls short when it comes to reaching the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gumline. This is where dental floss shines. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums, is the main culprit behind dental decay and gum disease. If not removed regularly, plaque can harden into tartar, a substance that can only be removed by a dental professional.

Flossing does about 40% of the work required to remove sticky bacteria or plaque from your teeth. “Each tooth has five surfaces. If you don’t floss, you are leaving at least two of the surfaces unclean,” explains Alla Wheeler, RDH, MPA, associate professor of the Dental Hygiene Program at the New York University School of Dentistry. Flossing is the only method that can effectively get into the spaces between teeth to remove bacteria, safeguarding your mouth against the onset of tooth decay and gum diseases.

Prevention of Gum Disease

Gum disease begins with gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush. If left untreated, gingivitis can escalate into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Flossing daily helps remove plaque from along the gumline and between teeth, areas that are particularly susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria that cause gum disease.

The role of flossing in preventing gum disease is critical. By removing plaque, flossing not only prevents the inflammation of the gums but also reduces the risk of periodontitis and its associated health complications. Regular flossing, combined with brushing and professional dental cleanings, can significantly lower the likelihood of developing gum disease.

Aiding in Overall Health

The benefits of flossing extend beyond the confines of oral health. Research has shown that there is a link between oral health and overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to systemic inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. The mouth is a gateway to the body, and bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to inflammatory responses elsewhere.

Moreover, flossing might also be considered a fountain of youth for your smile. Gum disease can affect the aesthetics of your smile by damaging the gums and teeth, as well as the bones that support your teeth and the lower third of your face. People who floss regularly and maintain the height of the bone around their teeth tend to have a more youthful appearance as they age.

Despite its simplicity, the act of flossing plays a pivotal role in maintaining not just oral health but overall well-being. The evidence supporting the benefits of flossing is overwhelming, from preventing gum disease and tooth decay to contributing to a healthier, more youthful appearance. If you're not already making flossing a part of your daily oral hygiene routine, now is the time to start. Remember, a few minutes spent flossing each day can save you from a multitude of health issues down the line, making it a worthwhile investment in your health and longevity.