As many dentists have probably told you before, flossing is necessary for maintaining good dental health. In addition to regular cleanings at your dental clinic, you should be brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing once per day. Let us tell all of you Burlington residents why flossing is so important.
The risks of cavities forming between your teeth and your gums developing Gingivitis are increased when you fail to floss regularly. This is because the dental plaque that builds up between your teeth is rarely removed. According to microbiology experts, there are thousands of bacteria swimming around in dental plaque. Those bacteria irritate you gum tissue which can lead to gingivitis. Also, that plaque can grow another type of bacteria, the cavity forming kind.
It Affects Your Overall Health
Gingivitis isn’t just a problem with the mouth. The bacteria that are hanging out in your dental plaque and irritating your gums can make its way into your bloodstream. If that happens, it starts to cause trouble in other parts of your body like your heart or your lungs. There is even evidence that periodontal disease in a mother can contribute to low birth weight in her newborn. Other research has shown that there is a link between diabetes and periodontal disease.
Time to Floss
Before bedtime, you should be grabbing your favorite floss and working to rid your mouth of any food particles or dental plaque. Waxed floss is best because it won’t be shredded between your teeth. After flossing, brush your teeth with a soft-bristle brush using a good quality toothpaste. This will help keep your teeth clean and as bacteria-free as possible. It is never too late to start flossing. Simply add it to your usual bedtime routine, and before you know it, you won’t even think about going a day without cleaning between your teeth.
If you need more tips on keeping a healthy mouth, contact Fielding Dental Healthcare is a quality dental clinic in Burlington. Our dedicated dental team will answer any questions you may have, and if it is time for your cleaning, they can get you scheduled right away. Make an appointment with one of our outstanding dentists: Dr. David Fielding, Dr. Ben Fielding, Dr. Erica Schum, or Dr. Tom McMurran. They will be happy to put you on the right track to a healthy smile.
