How important is flossing?

Although many people forget or skip flossing during their brushing routine, it is recognised as an important part of a daily hygiene process. The question is how important is it when compared to brushing your teeth? Is it really worth the extra time to do? In this article we will look at the benefits of flossing, and look at how important it is in improving your health and day to day life.   The benefits of flossing Flossing is recommended from a young age. Generally speaking, as soon as you develop two teeth that touch, you are able to start flossing. So why is this practice so heavily recommended by dentists? Well, to start with; through flossing you remove up to 40% of plaque and sticky bacteria from your teeth. Plaque can develop acids which can lead to gum irritation, cavities or gum disease. Without flossing, we aren’t cleaning all five sides of our teeth exposed, leaving two unclean and therefore able to produce more bacteria. Through flossing, you are able to reach and cleanse all regions of your mouth effectively, removing bacteria and improving your overall oral hygiene. Flossing, in some cases, can also help with keeping your youthful looks for longer, as preventing gum disease means less damage caused to your gums, teeth and jaw. People who floss look better as they age due to their bones being better maintained and preserved.   The damage of not flossing Your dental hygiene is important and by not flossing, you are putting yourself at risk of developing detrimental dental problems in the future, such as gingivitis and cavities in between your teeth. This is due to the bacteria in your dental plaque building up after not being removed, irritating the gum tissue. The gums will become inflamed and start to bleed if left untreated, leading to more bacteria being created and gingivitis developing. The same bacteria harming your gum tissue, is also wearing down the enamel in between your teeth, leading to holes in your teeth known as cavities.   Conclusion It is very clear that flossing should be incorporated into all of our daily routines, just as much as brushing. You should floss at least once per day, the optimal time being just before bed to remove any excess food debris and plaque left over from the day. Through flossing more, you will gradually notice the benefits to your oral health, and add more protection from potential oral diseases and cavities!   If you are concerned about your oral health, why not contact Ascent Dental Care Tamworth today, to see how we can help you!