Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is a type of at-home dental care that helps to remove plaque and prevent plaque buildup that can cause tartar – a substance that forms when plaque hardens.
Just brushing and flossing your teeth helps them appear brighter through the removal of plaque and food particles that are not always visible. Think of how a carpet looks before and after vacuuming.
You may not realize the dust and dirt are there at first, but after you have vacuumed and the dirt is removed, your carpet looks much brighter. The same goes for brushing and flossing.
By regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, you can:
- Prevent and remove plaque
- Avoid tooth decay
- Help prevent periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease
Additional Benefits
Not only does regular brushing and flossing keep your teeth healthy and bright – the practice of proper oral hygiene also supports your health in numerous other ways.
A mounting body of evidence links gum disease to increased rates of cardiovascular disease. Many researchers feel that any type of infection, including oral infections like gum disease, can create an inflammatory response within the body that promotes blood clots and slows blood circulation to the heart.
Spotting Potential Problems
By brushing and flossing your teeth, you are giving yourself a chance to regularly look into your mouth to detect any potential problem signs like redness or swelling.
Some medical conditions like eating disorders, substance abuse and certain cancers can create mouth lesions and gum redness and swelling that may otherwise go undetected.
Flossing Importance
If your gums are unhealthy, your risk of needing a root canal or losing your teeth increase significantly. Even though brushing is an extremely important part of dental care, brushing alone may be insufficient in protecting you from gum disease and eventual tooth loss.
If your gums are sensitive or bleed at times, you may have been tempted to put off flossing because the situation could grow worse. However, maintaining recommended brushing and flossing will help improve the bleeding.
A 2006 study monitored the effect of brushing alone versus a combination of brushing and flossing among 102 subjects.
In short, the subjects were divided into two groups: One group only brushed their teeth, while the other brushed and flossed twice daily. Within two weeks, those who both brushed and flossed experienced almost 40% fewer incidents of gum bleeding.
Gingivitis Protection
Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease. Prevent gingivitis by brushing and flossing to remove plaque and food debris. This ensures that your teeth and gums remain healthy and that you maintain your beautiful smile.
It isn’t just older people who get gum disease. For example, the condition can even develop at a very early age, particularly among those who do not maintain a good dental care routine, including daily brushing and flossing.
By combining brushing and flossing on a daily basis, you can maintain your oral health. Learn more by contacting any of our offices below.
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