As the New Year kicks off, you’ve probably considered a list of things you’d like to do better in 2017. It is common to see goals for more exercise, better eating habits and other steps towards improved health. However, what are you planning to do to protect your oral health? If you aren’t diligent in your daily flossing habits, this is the perfect place to start.
By making daily flossing one of your new year’s resolutions, you’ll gain significant benefits towards your smile and your body. Simply threading a string of floss through your pearly whites each night can boost your overall health too. Here’s how.
Flossing is designed to clean the tight areas between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. In fact, flossing is responsible for cleaning up to 35% of your tooth surface! When flossing correctly, you’ll remove food debris, bacteria and sticky plaque from between the teeth as well as at the gumline. This makes flossing an essential weapon to prevent gum disease.
Unfortunately, your gums are not sealed off from what you eat throughout the day. Bacteria and food particles can collect in tiny spaces just below the gum line. If not cleaned out properly (with flossing), an infection can set in. This presents itself as puffy or bleeding gums. Without treatment, gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from the tooth root, eventually leading to tooth loss and bone loss. If that’s not bad enough, the gum infection can enter your bloodstream and affect your overall health.
Gum disease is one of the most serious and destructive oral health conditions. One of your best weapons to preventing periodontal disease is flossing. Why not make this simple task a part of your oral hygiene routine this year? Find a floss or flossing tool that suits you best and equip yourself for a healthier smile in 2017!
Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV,
