Not Flossing Every Day? Here Are 5 Reasons to Get Into the Habit

Most people have a pretty solid routine of brushing their teeth; they do so each morning and evening, almost without fail. If you are a diligent toothbrusher, you deserve a pat on the back! But what about other oral hygiene practices? Do you also keep up with regular flossing? If you cringe a bit when you try to remember the last time you flossed, it is time to start getting back into the habit! This blog post discusses five benefits that come from a daily flossing routine.

Clean Your Mouth More Thoroughly

You may think that brushing alone does the job, but toothbrush bristles cannot always reach every nook and cranny between your teeth. In fact, brushing typically only cleans about 60% of your teeth’s surfaces! By adding flossing to your routine, you will be able to remove food particles and plaque from spaces that your toothbrush misses.

Reduce Your Risk of Bad Breath

You probably want your breath to smell pleasant, especially during close conversations. Flossing helps clear out trapped food debris and bacteria that could produce unpleasant odors, so you can feel confident about your breath throughout the day.

Prevent Tooth Decay

You work hard to keep cavities at bay by brushing, but plaque left between teeth can still lead to decay. By flossing every day, you remove the buildup that causes cavities, thereby protecting the hard-to-reach surfaces of your teeth from damage.

Lower Your Risk of Gum Disease

You might not realize it, but your gums need just as much attention as your teeth. Flossing helps remove bacteria and plaque along the gumline, which reduces your risk of inflammation, bleeding, and the development of serious gum disease over time.

Protect Your Overall Health

You may not connect your mouth to the rest of your body, but oral health impacts overall well-being. Research links gum disease with heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues, so flossing daily does more than just benefit your smile — it also supports your entire body.

Need Help to Get Flossing Again?

What prevents you from having a good flossing routine? Some people find it uncomfortable, while others think of it as a tedious, unrewarding task. Dr. Thomas and our team would love to help you change your perspective! We can demonstrate proper flossing techniques and recommend products that can make the task easier. We want to support you in your goal to have a healthy smile and a healthy body.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Preetha Thomas is a highly accomplished holistic dentist who is proud to serve families in the Southlake, TX, community. She is passionate about supporting the overall health of her patients through preventive and conservative care. If you have questions about how to get the most benefits from your oral hygiene routine, she and our team would be pleased to speak with you. Request an appointment by contacting Enclave Dental at 817-912-1218.