5 Reasons Why You Need to Floss Your Teeth

About 20% of American adults never floss. Meanwhile, 32% report they haven’t flossed in the past week. Neglecting to floss your teeth could put your entire oral health at risk, though.

Why do you need to start flossing your teeth? Read on to find out!

After reviewing this guide, you’ll recognize that flossing is essential for a beautiful smile. Discover the benefits of flossing today!

1. Remove Plaque

When you neglect to brush and floss your teeth, food particles can hide away in your mouth. Food particles can mix with bacteria and saliva to form plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless substance that can cling onto and between your teeth.

Over time, bacteria will start to release acid, which can destroy your protective tooth enamel.

Neglecting to floss daily will allow food particles to form, leading to plaque. Plaque can also harden into tartar, increasing your risk of tooth decay. You’ll need to schedule a professional tooth cleaning to clear tartar away from your teeth and gums.

Prioritizing your oral health now by caring for your teeth can keep plaque and tartar at bay.

2. Avoid Cavities

Remember, plaque and tartar can increase your risk of cavities. Symptoms a cavity has already developed include:

• A visible hole in a tooth
• Black or white staining
• Sensitivity or pain

If these symptoms sound familiar, visit your dentist right away. They can help you prevent cavity formation with fluoride treatments. Make sure to brush and floss daily for healthy teeth and gums.

Otherwise, plaque and bacteria can increase your risk of discoloration as well. You can learn how to get white teeth here before that happens.

3. Prevent Gingivitis

Plaque can also form along your gum line, leading to inflammation. Inflammation of the gums due to a bacterial infection is called gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease).

Neglecting to seek treatment can cause:

• Bad breath
• Receding gums
• Pain when chewing
• A foul taste
• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Gum that bleed

Flossing your teeth can help prevent gingivitis. Otherwise, it can progress to periodontitis, which could cause your teeth to fall out.

4. Protect Your Heart

People who maintain proper oral hygiene have a lower risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Brushing and flossing your teeth could reduce your risk of heart problems.

5. Reduce Bad Breath

Are you struggling to get rid of your bad breath? Make sure you’re flossing every night before bed! Otherwise, your bad breath could indicate you have a high amount of plaque (or gum disease).

Flossing your teeth can help improve your breath, which can help you make a strong first impression on everyone you meet.

Floss Your Teeth to Improve Your Oral Health Today

To recap, why is it so important to floss your teeth? Flossing your teeth benefits your overall health. You can avoid cavities, bad breath, gum disease, and more if you floss regularly.

Start flossing today to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!

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