By now, you’re probably flossing on a daily basis. However, you may not fully understand the reasons behind your efforts. Here, the dentists at Four Corners Dental Group in Anchorage and Wasilla, AK, explain why you should never skip this crucial step.

After you brush your teeth, you may think your smile is clean and plaque-free—but it’s not. While brushing is a necessary step to remove bacteria, food, and plaque from the surface of your teeth, it cannot access the many crevices between each tooth. That’s where the floss comes in. When you floss, you remove the material that has accumulated between your teeth and along your gums.

If you don’t remove it, it can become plaque, which will harden into tartar and can only be removed by your dentist. If it’s not removed, it can infect your gums and cause tooth decay. Eventually, it may lead to cavities or gum disease. Unfortunately, these issues can escalate to tooth loss or the irreversible stage of gum disease, periodontal disease. Studies show that periodontal disease may affect one’s overall health, as it’s linked to serious conditions like high cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke.

Earlier this year, media outlets questioned the efficacy of flossing between your teeth, in part due to a lack of studies proving the science. However, the American Dental Association maintains that flossing once a day is critical to optimal oral health. The reason there’s been limited research is due to the fact that the benefits of flossing have largely been accepted as fact. It’s no coincidence that your dentist can tell whether or not you’ve been flossing—there are visible signs in your mouth.   

Take it from the professionals: don’t skip flossing if you want to maintain a bright, healthy smile, as well as fresh breath. For affordable dental care for the whole family, schedule an appointment at Alaska’s favorite family dentistry today. Call Four Corners Dental Group at (907) 258-3384 in Anchorage, or (907) 376-2790 in Wasilla. For more information, visit the dentist’s website.