5 Reasons Why Flossing is Important

family dentist medford njMost of us are aware that flossing is important to keeping our teeth healthy, but we know that it is an often overlooked step in your oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth only gets the surface plaque, but flossing between the teeth removes a significant amount of plaque, too. Learn more about why you should floss every day with Medford, NJ family dentist Dr. Poorva Parnaik at Dental Creations.

1. Flossing prevents bacteria that cause bad breath

When bacteria is allowed to build up between teeth, the acids they produce cause bad breath. Removing the bacteria and leftover food particles from between teeth will prevent bad breath and preserve gum health.

2. Flossing prevents cavities between teeth

Did you know that over 500 different bacteria species live in the mouth? Most of these are harmless, but many of them cause cavities. Bacteria that live in between your teeth can cause cavities there, which puts your oral health at risk.

3. It reduces your risk of gum disease

Bacteria cause cavities, but they can also cause gum disease. What starts out as a little bleeding can turn into severe decay and tooth loss without you even noticing other symptoms. Regularly removing plaque from between teeth and near the gums is a critical step in keeping gum disease from progressing.

Gum disease can also negatively affect your health in serious ways. New studies are finding links between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, and it has already been established that it’s linked to low birth weight in babies and cardiovascular problems. The best way to prevent gum disease is through regular brushing and flossing.

4. Brushing alone only gets 60% of the plaque off of your teeth

While brushing is important to your oral health, almost half of the plaque that needs to be removed cannot be removed by brushing alone. Around 40% of plaque is actually between teeth and cannot be removed by brushing. Flossing, or some other form of interdental cleaning, is the only way to remove plaque from between teeth.

5. It prevents future dental work, saving you money

By preventing gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, flossing can help save you money by preventing you from needing complex, uncomfortable, and expensive dental procedures. The easiest, cheapest way to prevent oral health problems is with a toothbrush and some dental floss.

Family Dental Care in Medford, NJ

Dr. Parnaik is an experienced dentist in Medford who offers patients affordable, compassionate dental care in a professional and welcoming environment. To schedule an appointment with our office, call 609.365.0673 or request your appointment online today!