Thorough oral hygiene isn’t just about brushing your teeth. As your dentist will tell you, daily flossing is also essential to protect your gums. With September marking National Gum Care Month, it’s the perfect time to educate yourself on the benefits of flossing and get motivated to actually do the job. Here are three reasons to reach for the dental floss before bed every night. 

3 Benefits of Flossing

1. Combat Plaque & Tartar

While brushing can remove debris and bacteria from the surface of your teeth, only flossing can clean between them. Regular flossing disrupts bacteria from turning into plaque, the sticky yellowish coating that stains your teeth. If not removed, plaque calcifies and turns into a tougher substance called tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist.

2. Prevent Disease

Flossing gets rid of bacteria responsible for periodontal disease from the base of the teeth. This infection of the tissue can result in painfully swollen and bleeding gums. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss as the gums erode with time. Studies have even linked this to an increased risk for heart disease. It’s thought that the bacteria responsible for causing swelling in the gums can migrate to other parts of the body, including cardiovascular tissues.

3. Fight Bad Breath

In case the healthcare proponents of flossing aren’t enough to win you over, maybe an appeal to vanity will help! The bits of food that get stuck to your teeth and the bacteria they attract can lead to an unpleasant odor if not removed. By removing those particles, flossing can keep your breath fresh.

In addition to brushing and flossing, regular trips to the dentist for a professional teeth cleaning can combat cavities and gum disease. For help in Honolulu, look to Zen Dental Hawaii. Dentist Imelda C. Tan and her team provide state-of-the-art care using cutting-edge technologies for the whole family. From dental implants to oral surgery, exams to teeth whitening, they are the go-to clinic for comprehensive dental services. Learn more about their services online, and call (808) 532-5888 to schedule an appointment.