3 Reasons Why You Should Floss Daily

Daily flossing is a key part of achieving healthy teeth and gums. Flossing helps remove plaque build-up, which reduces bacteria and minimizes the risk of accumulating tartar. Brushing only address the front, back, and bottom of your teeth, which leaves two surfaces of your teeth untouched. Flossing essentially removes plaque and debris from the surfaces of the teeth that brushing alone can not reach.

1. Minimizes your Risk of Gum Disease
   Flossing is especially useful in the area where the teeth and gums meet; food particles and debris are lodged there, and plaque can buildup over time. If not properly removed, plaque can harden in tartar, a substance that can only be removed by a dentist.
   Similarly, if the tartar buildup is not professionally removed from the teeth, it may increase your risk of gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease; if not addressed, gingivitis can spread to the area below the gum line, causing periodontitis, a more aggressive form of gum disease that can lead to tooth and bone loss.

2. Helps Prevent Tooth Decay
   Tooth decay can develop on all surfaces of the teeth. While brushing is an effective way to keep the teeth clean, it is important to incorporate flossing to ensure all surfaces of the teeth are clean. Brushing alone cannot reach all surfaces of the teeth, so adding flossing to your daily oral hygiene routine can help ensure all parts of the teeth are clean. When debris and plaque are not removed from the teeth, it can increase the risk of tooth decay.

3. It Can Help Save You Money
   Dental treatment can be expensive, especially when you require complex or advanced dental work. It pays to take care of your teeth and gums. Instead of visiting the dentist when you experience an emergency situation or a dental issue, it is important to practice preventive dental care to help avoid these situations.
   Part of preventive dentistry is visiting the dentist at least twice a year for routine dental exam and professional cleanings; the other part of preventive dentistry is maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine. Most dentist will recommend patients practice preventive dentistry to help preserve the health and function of their teeth and gums.

Visit our Louisville, CO Dentist Office

If you would like to learn more about improving your oral hygiene, visit Boulder Valley Dental Center in Lousiville, CO. To schedule an appointment, call 303-732-5388 , or request an appointment online.