According to research, as many as 80% of Americans neglect to floss their teeth on a daily basis. If you consider yourself included in this astounding statistic, you must be tuning out when your dentist tells you the benefits of flossing. This simple oral hygiene task is not optional if you want to retain the health and beauty of your smile. Flossing is designed to do far more than just remove stuck food between your teeth. By choosing to floss just once each day, you will give both your mouth and your body a greater chance for optimal health.
The Benefits of Flossing
Did you know that flossing cleans up 35% of your tooth’s structure? This includes sneaky areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. Just because you don’t see or feel food debris in between your teeth, it doesn’t mean there isn’t bacteria or plaque accumulating there. When you clean bacteria from your mouth, you are preventing it from reaching your cardiac tissues, which can be detrimental to your overall health. Taking just a few minutes each day to weave a string of floss between your pearly whites can prevent the following:
- Tooth Decay
- Plaque and Tartar Buildup
- Gum Disease
- Bad Breath
- Heart Disease
Know Your Options
Still not sure you can commit to flossing each day? If it is a personal aversion or difficulty managing traditional flossing thread, you’ve got options. You can still take advantage of the powerful benefits of flossing by using other flossing tools. There are endless options in flossing tools on the market that can counter your excuses, whether it be a lack of time or poor dexterity. Many patients opt for handheld flossing devices for easier maneuvering, which is great for kids and senior adults. For an expedited flossing experience, you can purchase a water flosser or electric flossing tool.
At Old Greenwich Dental, we help patients find a flossing method that works best for them. Typically, the best flossing tool is the one that you will actually use. Don’t wait until the night before your next dental appointment to pick up your floss – chances are, we know your secret.
