The Benefits of Flossing

We all know we’re supposed to floss daily but lets be honest most of us don’t! We’re sure you all dread when you’re sitting in the dentists chair and they ask, ‘How often do you floss?’ While you’re calculating in your head how much you floss and if you should fib to the dentist about your flossing habits lets go over why it’s so important to floss daily.

1- Flossing and Brushing Are More Effective Than Brushing Alone

A toothbrush works to removing plaque with its bristles. Brushing alone has one big drawback: A toothbrush’s bristles can’t adequately clean between the teeth or under the gums. That’s where floss comes in, to get in those tiny spaces between your teeth to get the grime out your toothbrush can’t reach.


2- Flossing Protects Your Gums

Where the gums and teeth meet are where flossing plays its major role. Particles of food can get lodged here, and plaque in this area will harden over time to form tartar, that your dentist will remove with a scraper. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis.


3- Flossing Helps Prevent Other Diseases

Gum disease can have effects that go beyond discolored teeth, discomfort and bad breath. Research has shown that the bacteria in an unhealthy mouth can harm the rest of the body, leading to heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illness.

So the next time your dentists asks if you’ve been flossing regularly, we hope you’ll be able to answer with a resounding, ‘Yes!’

For more information on your oral health contact Dr. Gary Alhadef, DDS. Make an appointment by calling 469-718-0128 or visit our website at www.dallascosmeticdental.com.