Flossing For Your Dental Health

To floss or not to floss — it’s not even a question. 

Flossing has been proven time and time again to be an essential part of your oral health routine. The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between your teeth daily to help prevent cavities and gum disease. 

What Exactly Does Flossing Accomplish? 

Interdental cleaners, such as floss, play a vital role in removing plaque and debris from areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing between your teeth also helps remove a sticky film called plaque. Plaque contains bacteria that feeds on leftover food, especially sugar, in your mouth and releases acid. Acids are never good for teeth. This can damage the outer shell of your teeth and cause cavities.

Plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can harden into tartar. Tartar forms along the gum line and can lead to gum disease. Once tartar forms, only a dentist can remove it.

Flossing For Kids

Kids need to clean between their teeth starting as soon as they have two teeth that touch. The act of flossing can be difficult for young hands to maneuver, so it’s recommended that you assist your kids until around the age of 10 or 11. You might also consider using colorful floss picks to help kids work regular flossing into their routine.  

It’s important that children are taught from an early age the importance of good oral hygiene and maintaining a daily routine that involves flossing. Children who floss grow into adults who floss.

Healthy dental habits reduce the number of cavities a person experiences and help prevent gum disease, halitosis, and tooth decay.

I Want Halitosis — Said No One. Ever

One of the other benefits of flossing is that it helps keep bad breath at bay. No one wants bad breath, but that is what happens when food becomes trapped between your teeth and it starts to decay. 

Do you know how trash starts to smell when it hasn’t been taken out to the curb for a few days? Think of the food particles in your teeth the same way. The longer they linger, the more foul-smelling bacteria have a chance to build up. 

Flossing not only helps combat halitosis and plaque, but it helps to keep the heart healthy as well.  

Dental Health = Heart Health

According to the American Heart Association, there is a distinct connection between the health of your mouth and the overall health of your body. Results of a study from 2019 reveal that participants who adhered to a high standard of oral hygiene had a decreased risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. 

The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Shogo Matsui, said the findings suggest “poor oral health, based on daily teeth-brushing behavior”, is associated with poorer heart health. 

At Falcon Dental Care, we care about more than just your smile. Your health is important, and that’s why we want to educate everyone about how to implement the best oral habits. We want all our patients to practice good dental hygiene and flossing, as well as brushing, is essential to the health of your teeth and entire body. 

Contact Falcon Dental Care For Friendly, Comprehensive Dental Care 

Falcon Dental in Falcon, Colorado offers many dental services, including treatment for Sleep Apnea and snoring. If you suspect you or your partner is suffering from sleep apnea, speak to a professional at Falcon Dental and learn more about how we can help. 

Contact us today for a free consultation. We are a dedicated team of dental professionals whose mission is to provide outstanding dental care to our extended family of patients. Your smile is important, and we want to ensure you are looking and feeling your best.