Preventive Dentistry |3 min read

Why Should I Floss My Teeth Daily?

To floss or not to floss, that is the question. How do you compare to the average American when it comes to flossing? Is it really important to floss every day? Find out more in our blog for today.

Statistics shared by the American Dental Association (ADA) reveal some surprising details on how Americans as a whole view the importance of flossing their teeth regularly. It reported:

  • 50.5 percent of Americans floss daily
  • 31 percent of Americans floss less than daily
  • 18.5 percent of Americans don’t floss at all

The ADA recommends cleaning between your teeth with floss or another interdental cleaner once a day. Therefore, the above statistics highlight that almost one in every two (49.5%) American smiles are missing out on this all-important step for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Which of the three above categories do your flossing habits fall into?

To Floss or Not To Floss

Do you skip flossing because you feel you don’t have the time, are too tired, or simply don’t view flossing as important? Perhaps you justify your lack of flossing by claiming “I already brush my teeth regularly.” The fact that you’re diligent in brushing your teeth twice a day is indeed a practice worthy of commendation. Yet, without flossing, your teeth are still missing out on the protective care they need.

Brushing is Not Enough

Every time you brush, you clean the top, inside, and outside of each tooth. There are areas between your teeth, though, that your toothbrush can’t clean effectively. Therefore, without flossing you’re actually missing out on cleaning one-third of each pearly white. Yikes!

Bacteria can thrive along these unattended surfaces, and over time lead to the formation of plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease. Floss and other interdental cleaners remove debris trapped between the teeth, and remove the film of bacteria before it has a chance to harden into plaque.

Without the proper at-home maintenance, it increases your chances of periodontal disease. In fact, studies have shown periodontal disease heightens your chance of developing serious health risks such as:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Preterm birth
  • Diabetes
  • And much more!

This epidemic is also known as oral systemic health, which we solely focus on when you visit us for your dental appointment. Dr Gorman is known and trusted to help patients achieve superior oral health which is the foundation of strong, long lasting teeth, dental work  AND a healthier body.

Complete the Job

You wouldn’t be satisfied with a worker who only completed two-thirds of the work you hired him to do, would you? Then, why should you be content with cleaning only 66 percent of your tooth surface by brushing alone?

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to floss all the way to your very back teeth.

Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are all essential factors of proper dental care that should not be overlooked. Take the time to care for your teeth, and they’ll thank you with a sparkling, healthy smile and overall wellness.

Contact North Oaks dentist Dr. Steve Gorman today to learn more about getting your smile the boost it needs to take it to the next level, including our numerous modern cosmetic dentistry options.

Time to tell the truth: Are you a faithful flosser? If not, what’s the main reason you’re holding back?

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