Are You Flossing? If Not, Here’s Why You Should Be

You know that “brushing and flossing” twice daily is the proven way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. You may be brushing, and hey, that’s great!

But the question is…are you flossing?

It’s believed that dental floss was “invented” almost 200 years ago by an American dentist who asked his patients to clean their teeth with fine silk thread. Silk dental floss was first manufactured in the late 1880s, but by the 1940s, nylon thread had replaced silk, and waxed floss was introduced. There is a wide variety of floss styles, options, and flavors at your fingertips, today!

After years of education about the benefits of flossing, many people still do not floss.

Whitening and bleaching are popular, along with straightening and veneers.

There are many mouthwash choices on the market…clearly, we seem to want whiter, straighter teeth and fresher breath, but we continue to resist one of the best ways to ensure healthy teeth and gums.

If you are “not a flosser,” here are FIVE reasons why you should make flossing a daily habit:

1. Flossing strengthens your gums which helps prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
2. Daily flossing removes plaque, which also helps prevent gum disease.
3. Daily flossing encourages sweeter, fresher breath.
4. Flossing doesn’t hurt. If it does, you haven’t been flossing regularly.
5. Flossing reaches areas your toothbrush can’t, protecting your back teeth where most decay and gum disease occur.

Additionally, making flossing a daily habit is that daily flossing not only keeps your teeth healthy, but studies have shown that it contributes to good dental hygiene, which is an essential part of your overall health.

When flossing attacks plaque, harmful bacteria are eliminated and cannot find their way to other parts of your body.

If you haven’t had a dental cleaning recently, call to book an appointment and get on track. Begin to make flossing a daily habit.