In the United States, 31.9% of adults don’t floss their teeth regularly. Flossing at least once per day to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth is an important part of maintaining good oral health. It can also help you prevent a number of health issues that affect other parts of the body. Read on to learn more about why flossing in Beachwood is such an important part of preserving your overall wellbeing and how may even save your life.

Why Flossing Is Important

Plaque, a sticky film found on the teeth, forms when bacteria in the mouth mix with starchy or sugary foods. Leaving plaque on your teeth will allow it to attack your tooth enamel and erode it over time. Ultimately, this will lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and even gum disease. There are areas of the mouth that can’t be reached without dental floss, so flossing at least once per day will help remove plaque and significantly lower your chances of developing cavities.

How Gum Disease Can Affect the Body

Not flossing regularly can cause gum disease to develop. While gum disease is bad news for your oral health, it can also have a negative impact on your overall wellbeing. It can worsen existing health conditions, including:

• Pregnancy complications – If bacteria get into the bloodstream, this can result in preterm labor or low birth weight.
• Respiratory disease – Bacteria can travel from the mouth to other parts of the body. If bacteria get into the lungs, this can cause infections like pneumonia, which makes it difficult to breathe and may give bacteria access to the bloodstream.
• Cancer – Those who have a history of gum disease are 43% more likely to develop esophageal cancer. They are also 52% more likely to develop stomach cancer. Additionally, gum disease has been linked to cancer in the pancreas, kidney, and blood.
• Diabetes – When a patient has severe gum disease, this can raise their blood sugar and make diabetes harder to manage. Having high blood sugar weakens the immune system, which makes it more difficult to fight off infections.
• Heart disease – Gum disease causes inflammation, which leads to an outpouring of immune cells. This encourages healing short term, but chronic inflammation can cause serious health problems like heart disease.

By making sure to incorporate flossing into your nightly oral health routine, you can keep health problems at bay. Not only will this help you maintain a beautiful smile, but it will also increase your chances of living a long, happy life!

About the Author

In need of a talented, compassionate, and capable dentist in the Beachwood area? Orange Place Family Dentistry is the place for you! They strive to give patients an enjoyable office experience and make sure they feel comfortable and well cared for from the moment they arrive. If you need help learning the proper way to floss or want recommendations for alternatives like Waterpiks, they can provide guidance to ensure that your smile stays as lovely as ever. Call their office at (216) 464-2448 or visit their website to learn more about the importance of flossing or to schedule an appointment.