Everyone knows they should brush their teeth, and most know that should be flossing regularly too, but how many actually do?
According to a survey conducted by Delta Dental, just four out of 10 Americans floss at least once a day, and 20 percent never floss at all. The same survey also found a “strong relationship between flossing daily and reporting good oral health.”
So, why don’t we all do it?
In case you’ve forgotten, your Stuart, FL dentist wants to remind you why you should:
Flossing Removes More Plaque
Brushing your teeth does help remove some plaque, but the bristles of a toothbrush can’t adequately clean between the teeth, or under the gums. Floss is specifically made to remove plaque from those tight spaces. When plaque is allowed to buildup, it hardens over time, forming tartar, a thick deposit that can only be removed with a visit to your Stuart, FL dentist. If it isn’t removed, it can lead to all sorts of dental issues, including gum disease.
Flossing Helps to Prevent Decay
Your Stuart, FL dentist will tell you that cavities can only start to form during periods when plaque is on the surface of a tooth. It’s during that time that the decay process has the opportunity to progress. When that tooth surface is free of plaque after flossing, a healing mechanism known as remineralization can occur, helping to reverse the effects of cavity formation.
Flossing Helps you Save Money
Health and dental care costs have been rising, while insurance benefits have been diminishing in recent years, which means it can pay big to take steps to reduce those expenses. If you don’t floss regularly, there are a number of costs associated with the problems that can develop. A root canal can set you back as much as $2,000, and if you lose a tooth and require an implant, the price tag is usually well into the thousands, sometimes even with insurance coverage.
Regular flossing may help prevent heart disease and other serious health disease
Numerous studies have shown a relationship between gum disease and serious medical conditions like heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., which means that flossing can play a key role in improving public health, including your good health and longevity.