If you have ever thought to yourself, “When is the last time I flossed?” then you need to read this! It is easy to be in the habit of brushing your teeth and using mouthwash occasionally, however, what people do not realize is that brushing is really only part of the process to getting a clean and healthy mouth. Flossing must be practiced in order for it to become a habit, and it’s really only through consistency that a person can reap its true benefits. 

Now flossing may not be the most fun daily activity but it’s one that will definitely pay off in the long run. So lets discuss some motivating truths about floss that will hopefully inspire you to make this activity apart of your daily routine. 

The Truth about Flossing!

Flossing protects against periodontal disease:Even if you brush daily food debris can become trapped in the in between spaces of your teeth and gums. These food particles that get left become the perfect prey for your oral bacteria to attack, which can ultimately lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque that activates your body’s responses to the bacterial infection, which leads to an array of problems like swollen, bleeding gums, gingivitis, teeth loosening, and eventually to more severe stages of the disease. Flossing on a daily basis removes any food debris and plaque build up, thus preventing this disease from progressing. 

Flossing keeps our body’s healthy:When you brush your teeth and floss you tend to think your just keeping your mouth clean but really maintaining good oral hygiene protects more than just a healthy smile. If good oral hygiene is not maintained on a daily basis and bacteria is given the opportunity to flourish then it can result in a number of more serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. So by simply including flossing to your dental routine you are protecting your body as a whole. 

Flossing whitens your smile:Maybe you have tried all different types of whitening techniques like an over the counter product or baking soda. Even though they may have helped, one of the best ways to get and keep a whiter smile is by flossing. Flossing will help keep any staining to a minimum, which will leave your smile brighter.

Flossing and brushing are equally important:As a child you are taught to brush your teeth and make that apart of your morning and night routine. You may have heard your mom yell out a number of times, “Did you brush your teeth?” Brushing your teeth gets engrained into us; however, depending on how well your parents flossed you may have only left that portion to the dentist. Flossing is not secondary to brushing; it in fact is an equal partner in the fight against oral diseases. Floss is made to scrub out the tight in between places of your teeth as well as the gap between the teeth and gums. Brushing may make your mouth feel cleaner and fresher but really the job is only done half way. Brushing can’t reach those hard to reach spaces that only floss can get. So instead of living in the illusion of a clean mouth actually have one, by allowing floss to remove the plaque in the areas that are hidden. 

Flossing gives better breath:Have you ever breathed into your hand and tried to quickly smell it to see if your breath smells all right? After getting a whiff you may have either determined you need to brush your teeth or a mint will suffice. Flossing, however, helps to maintain a better smelling breath. It is the remaining food particles and bacteria that lead to a nasty smelling mouth but by thoroughly removing any plaque, which is caused by residual food particles, your breath will improve.

Fun Flossing Facts

• If you choose not to floss, 35% of your teeth will remain unclean. But if you do floss, dental floss will remove a plaque that is made up of more than 300 different species of bacteria. Yikes!
• Not brushing and flossing can allow tiny bacteria to destroy one of the hardest substances in the body, tooth enamel. 
• Floss that is pieced into 18-20 inch strands is the ideal length when flossing, however most people don’t use that much.
• Once a day is the recommended amount a person should floss but twice a day, is of course, much better.
• Flossing your teeth daily will lessen your chances of getting cavities and will ultimately keep your teeth and gums stronger and healthier.

Flossing may not have originally been a habit of yours but hopefully you are now inspired and motivated to make it a part of your daily dental routine.