Although dentists regularly recommend daily flossing to their patients, it’s well-known that this practice is one of the least popular oral hygiene habits. In fact, 20% of adult Americans never floss at all, depriving themselves of a range of dental health benefits. To learn more about how flossing can help you maintain a gleaming smile, have a look at the guide below.

What Does Flossing Do?

While regular brushing will remove plaque from your teeth, most bristles can’t clean effectively between them. As a result, even diligent brushers may have substantial amounts of plaque lurking in their mouths. Flossing removes bacteria and food particles from the difficult-to-reach spaces between your teeth to reduce plaque.

Many people don’t floss because it often leads to minor gum bleeding. While this may be uncomfortable, it indicates you should be flossing more, not less. Swollen, red, or bleeding gums are often signs of gingivitis, which can lead to tooth decay or loss if left untreated. Bleeding after flossing is the body’s natural effort to remove harmful bacteria, and it should gradually decrease the longer you floss regularly.

Benefits of Regular Flossing

Flossing removes up to 40% of the plaque clinging to your teeth. Plaque is responsible for yellowness, bad breath, and eventual tartar buildup. By flossing, you can expect fresher breath and a brighter smile.

Food particles also fuel decay-inducing bacteria, which consume sugar and produce acids that eat away at the protective enamel layer on a tooth. Over time, this decay can lead to cavities, infections, and damage to the sensitive pulp inside a tooth.

These bacteria can also lead to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, which may develop into periodontitis, a more serious condition. Regular flossing will remove the primary cause of these conditions early on.

Flossing's impact extends to overall health as well, resulting in a longer life span. In a recent study, those with excellent oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist, were found to have a significantly lower risk of heart failure and irregular heartbeat.

For professional assistance with comprehensive dental care, turn to Cooper Family Dentistry. Serving Gilbert and Chandler, AZ, the dentists at this practice offer routine cleanings and examinations as well as restorations and cosmetic dentistry in a comfortable atmosphere. Call (480) 964-1000 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.