1. You Want a Clean, Healthy Mouth
Did you know dog bites are immediately stitched up, but human bites are not? Why? The human mouth contains enough bacteria to potentially cause sepsis and shock if closed up inside the body. With that in mind, please understand that gums not properly cared for with regular flossing can become a wide open door to unhealthy bacteria entering your blood stream and increasing your chances of heart disease and other issues.
FLOSSING NOTE: The bacteria in between your teeth can potentially cause far more damage than the plaque and bacteria on the front and back of your teeth.
2. You Don't Want Tartar Buildup
Particles of food can lodge between your teeth leading to plaque buildup and tartar, a thick deposit that only the dentist can remove with a scraper. Mouthwashes can kill plaque-forming bacteria, but will not remove tartar and bits of food lodged in between teeth. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis: red, swollen gums representing the first stage of gum disease.
FLOSSING TIP: The American Dental Association says flossing before you brush helps make brushing more effective: With less plaque between your teeth, the fluoride in toothpaste reaches more parts of your mouth.
3. You Want to Save Money (and Teeth)
Replacing lost teeth can mean a significant financial investment. Regular flossing helps prevent tooth loss by keeping tartar and plaque from spreading deeper below the gum line causing Periodontitis – severe gum disease leading to eventual tooth and bone loss.
FLOSSING TIP: 2 Minutes of flossing every night could save you thousands of dollars in tooth replacement options.
Dayton Dental Collaborative encourages you to join the top 5% and start flossing today.