I’m going to share a little known secret that most dentists won’t tell you…we have not proven that flossing actually prevent cavities! In other words, there aren’t any studies that show a reduction in cavities from flossing. BUT, that does not mean you should stop flossing! Flossing also has many other benefits, including helping to save your life! Read below the top 3 benefits why dentists still recommend you floss regularly.
1. It helps prevent gum disease!
Did you ever notice that soft, mushy, yellow stuff on your teeth at the end of the day? Or maybe you forgot to brush your teeth before bed (happens to the best of us), and you notice this plaque in the morning. Over time plaque starts to harden and mineralize and the only way to get it removed is with a professional cleaning from a dentist or hygienist. However, plaque can also build up in between your teeth and below the gum line, where you can’t reach with your toothbrush. This plaque can also mineralize into tarter and calculus. Certain bacteria hide underneath these chunks of calculus, where they basically poop out acid and start dissolving your bone around your teeth and causing bad odors. Once this bone starts disappearing, there’s no way to grow it back and you start to develop periodontal disease, which is different from gingivitis, where only the gums are affected. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis is not reversible! This bone is basically the foundation that keeps your teeth in your mouth and once you start losing the foundation, you start losing your teeth. YIKES!!!
2. It helps strengthen your gums!
“But it bleeds whenever I floss!” If I got a dollar for every time I heard this…Although there are many reasons why gums may bleed, it’s usually because you gums are inflamed from the plaque above it, causing ulcerations. It is normal for your gums to bleed a little when you start flossing again after a brief hiatus. However, certain medications can make your gums bleed easier so consult a dentist if the bleeding doesn’t stop on day 3 of consistent flossing. So PLEASE keep flossing even if you bleed a little after a short (or long) hiatus!
3. Flossing can help the rest of your body stay healthy!
I once had a patient who’s breath smelled very “sweet.” I remembered in dental school, that patients who have elevated glucose levels may present with a certain breath odor because of this. But my patient was not aware that she had diabetes. I set her up with a primary care doctor because she didn’t have a regular one, where she was later diagnosed with pre diabetes. Luckily, I helped her get the treatment she needed and prevented her from getting type 2 diabetes. I always consider my patients overall health to their dental health. This is because the body and mouth are connected! Gum disease has been linked to many more serious diseases like diabetes, premature birth, heart disease, pneumonia, and other conditions.
Here’s a quick how to guide on flossing and some common mistakes people make!
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