How Flossing Affects Health

parent and child flossing

Flossing – Good for more than your teeth!

Flossing is the overachieving little brother of brushing that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. Not only is flossing good for preventing cavities, but it also has a long list of other benefits that many people don’t even know about!

If you skip flossing because you think it’s “not doing that much,” read on! There are a ton of benefits to flossing that you definitely want to cash in on.

  • Flossing prevents bad breath
      • Ever had bad breath even right after brushing your teeth? If you didn’t floss, that’s probably why. The food particles that get stuck in between your teeth are a breeding ground for stink-causing bacteria that your toothbrush can’t reach. The less you floss, the longer the food particles in between your teeth have to “rot” in your mouth as the bacteria feed on them. Rot = bad breath.If you struggle with bad breath and always find yourself reaching for gum or a breath mint, try flossing every day. It may be the solution you’ve been hoping for!
  • Flossing protects your heart
      • The link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease is undeniable, even though science still isn’t exactly sure how it works. One theory is that the overload of bacteria in the mouth works its way into the bloodstream and causes inflammation in the heart and blood vessels. Another is that periodontal disease sets off the body’s immune response, which causes inflammation in other parts of the body. Either way, what we do know for sure is that a healthy mouth is good for your overall health. So start flossing. Your heart will thank you.
  • Flossing helps you avoid other health problems
      • Flossing, as part of a healthy dental hygiene regimen, helps prevent periodontal disease. Not only is this important for the health of your teeth and gums, but periodontal disease has been linked to a host of other inflammatory diseases as well, such as diabetes, stroke, pregnancy complications, rheumatoid arthritis, and even dementia.
  • Flossing helps you look younger
      • Ever heard the phrase “long in the tooth?” It comes from being able to tell a horse’s age by looking at its teeth – because as horses (and humans) age, gums tend to recede, leading to longer-looking teeth.Flossing can help prevent the gum recession that leads to an older-looking smile. And since flossing helps to prevent periodontal disease, flossing also protects your youthful smile from bone loss that can lead to the “shrunken jaw” look we tend to associate with the elderly.
  • Flossing helps bleeding gums heal
    • If your gums bleeds when you floss, you might think that flossing is the problem. It’s not. Most of the time, bleeding gums are caused by gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Along with bleeding gums, if you have gingivitis, you may also notice that your gums are red, swollen, tender, and inflamed. Not a good look – and not a comfortable way to live, either.Flossing can help your inflamed gums heal and return to their normal strength, color, and sensitivity. By removing the plaque that harbors bacteria that causes gingivitis, flossing daily will help your gums return to normal. Don’t be alarmed if your gums bleed every time you floss at first. Stick with it and you will see results!

Teeth hygiene and sugar

A lot of people thinking about Teeth hygiene. But why sugar is bad for your teeth? Sugar is detrimental to your teeth as it provides a food source for harmful bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and the formation of cavities, making it crucial to limit sugar intake and prioritize good oral hygiene to preserve your dental health.

Want to protect your oral health?

Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists can help you protect and preserve your healthy smile for a lifetime. Schedule an appointment today at one of our many locations around Atlanta.