If you talk to your dentist, they will recommend brushing and flossing every day. Most people will at least brush their teeth twice a day. However, flossing is a very neglected habit for a lot of people. While brushing your teeth is a crucial part of your oral hygiene routine, flossing is vital. Brushing alone cannot clean your teeth enough to stay healthy. As a result, the simple act of flossing can help prevent gum disease.
Why Gum Disease is an Issue
Gum disease is a serious condition that targets the soft tissues of your gums. One of the main causes of gum disease is the buildup of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of harmful bacteria that can affect the health of your teeth and gums. While there are other conditions that can kick-start gum disease, poor oral hygiene is usually the cause. This is why flossing is a crucial habit.
Many people don’t understand how gum disease can impact your health. In its early stages, gum disease can be mild. You may notice bleeding when brushing your teeth. It can also cause sensitivity, swelling, and discomfort in your gums. As the disease progresses, it can cause more significant issues. With irritation, the gums can recede, exposing the nerves of your teeth. This can also cause your teeth to loosen and shift. Over time, you can even lose your teeth due to gum disease.
Unfortunately, gum disease can have far-reaching effects on your overall health. Research suggests there is a link between gum disease and heart health. Gum disease can increase your heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, patients with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease. This means that they must be sure to take care of their gums properly.
One of the best ways to avoid gum disease is to have a solid oral hygiene routine. Part of a good oral hygiene routine is to floss daily. Flossing can do what brushing can’t. It reaches between your teeth and underneath your gum line. These are hard-to-reach areas that love to breed and build bacteria. Flossing effectively can help reduce your risk of gum inflammation and disease.
What Can Flossing Do For You
One of the many jobs of flossing is to help prevent gingivitis and gum disease. When you floss, you help minimize gum inflammation. Regular flossing disrupts the buildup of plaque. This helps prevent the initial stage of gum disease. Flossing regularly reduces swelling from trapped food and bacteria. This helps minimize gum irritation and swelling.
If you do notice redness or inflammation of your gums, flossing can help reverse these effects. Catching gingivitis early can be extremely beneficial. Implementing a good oral hygiene routine can halt the progress of gingivitis before it progresses to periodontitis. This is because flossing helps reduce the likelihood of deep pockets forming between your teeth and gums. Flossing also stimulates the gum tissues, keeping them healthy.