Do you ever wonder why your dentist or dental hygienist always asks you if you’re flossing? It’s because flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth on a daily basis. In a 2008 survey, it was found that only 49% of Americans floss on a daily basis, and 10% never floss!
Why is flossing important?
While brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste will help clean the outside and tops of the teeth and gums, flossing works as an interdental cleaner, meaning flossing specifically cleans the tight spaces in between your teeth.
Some people like to think that mouthwash will help get rid of anything that becomes stuck in the spaces between our teeth, but in reality there is a large portion of tartar build up that can only come loose through flossing. For the best result, dentists recommend flossing before you brush, then using mouthwash to finish the job.
Flossing not only helps to keep your teeth clean, it also is extremely important for helping keep your gums healthy and strong. According to How Stuff Works, “The places where the gums and teeth meet are where flossing plays its major role.” Flossing helps to get rid of the tiny particles of food that will build up in these small spaces, which over time will accrete and harden, which will only be able to be removed by your dentist’s scraper.
One of the most important aspects to realize when it comes to flossing is that it helps prevent major diseases. Having an unhealthy mouth can lead to having an unhealthy body, and flossing is one of the best ways to help prevent periodontal diseases that could possibly lead to heart disease.
Not only does flossing help keep your mouth and body healthy and working at its full potential, it also helps you save a lot of money! Because flossing helps keep your mouth clean and tartar free, it will inevitably help prevent procedures like root canals or fillings. Now that’s something everyone can get behind!