The reports challenging the benefits of flossing your teeth have been making rounds lately and have raised several questions regarding the importance and advantages of inter-dental cleaning of teeth. However, as pointed out by the American Dental Association, the absence of strong evidence regarding the effectiveness of the practice does not mean that it is not beneficial. Since dentists are experts of their field, they are in a better position to tell whether inter-dental cleaning of teeth is beneficial for oral hygiene and health or not. The American Dental Association has disregarded all such reports claiming that there is no good in flossing your teeth and has declared it an essential part of maintaining oral hygiene as it removes plaque and particles that accumulate in the gap between teeth and cause cavities, tooth decay and several other teeth and gum diseases.
The importance and benefits of flossing have also been endorsed by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services.
If you are still not convinced about the significance of flossing your teeth, continue reading the blog to find out why it is necessary:
To Maintain Your White and Bright Smile
A white and bright smile is the best accessory one can wear and everyone loves it. This is why every product that claims to bring back the pearly white teeth you once had gains huge popularity around the world. However, many people ignore the fact that no such product can neither provide the cleanliness nor the shine that you get by sticking to the basic dental care routine, i.e. brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. You would not need to look for any such product if you stick to the basic dental care routine because you would not lose the whiteness and shine of your teeth if you do so. Stains appear on the teeth due to the buildup of plaque and tartar and flossing completely removes all the food particles, plaque and debris that may have accumulated in the small inter-dental spaces.
Brushing alone is Not Enough
One of the common answers that people give when asked about flossing is that they regularly brush their teeth. However, experts say that brushing alone is not enough. As the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach the spaces between the teeth and under your gums, brushing only removes the plaque that accumulates on the outer surface of teeth.
Poor Oral Hygiene Can Pose Some Serious Health Risks
If you allow the food particles to accumulate between the teeth and under your gums, you are actually providing a favorable environment for the buildup of plaque and tartar and for the growth of various harmful bacteria. In addition to causing various dental problems, such as bad breath, cavities, tooth decay and gum diseases, poor oral hygiene can also lead to some serious health problems such as:
- Kidney diseases
- An increased risk of type 2 diabetes
- Research shows that the likelihood of Pneumonia increases by 300% in people having Periodontitis
- An increased risk of developing Dementia
- When the bacteria responsible for causing gum diseases and tooth decay enters the circulatory system, it causes the release of C- reactive proteins from the liver. Those C- reactive proteins cause the inflammation of the circulatory system.
Remember! Your mouth is the window to your health. Protecting your mouth and maintaining its hygiene and health is actually a way to ward-off the risks of various health issues.