The Importance of Brushing & Flossing
 If you have ever been on the receiving end of a big smile, then you probably already know how important a beautiful, healthy grin is to the human experience. A smile says so much about a person and is a stepping stone to so many wonderful things in life, such as falling in love, forging lasting friendships, and even advancing at work. However, gaps in your smile, advanced tooth decay, and stained and discolored teeth can tarnish your smile. We here at Century Dental want all of our patients to know how truly important it is to make sure you brush and floss for a gorgeous and healthy smile.
Why Do I Need to Brush and Floss Regularly?
Tooth loss does not happen just because you have tooth decay. Of course, cavities can weaken your teeth and make you more prone to infections and abscesses and tooth loss. Gum disease is also guilty of causing tooth loss, too. Caused by inflammation due to plaque trapped next to your teeth and gums, gum disease can cause your gums to recede and become swollen and pull away from your teeth. Over time, your teeth will begin to fall out. You can prevent this from happening by brushing and flossing regularly.
Brushing & Flossing Tips
A whopping 30 percent of Americans are not brushing often enough, and 20 percent never floss. To brush properly, you need to start with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Add a pea-sized dollop of fluoridated toothpaste to your toothbrush, and brush for two minutes at a 45-degree angle to your gums. You need to brush twice a day to make sure you get rid of all plaque and buildup from your teeth.
After brushing your teeth, your next step is to floss them. You can floss just once per day, either in the morning or in the evening, whichever works better for you. Use an 18-inch segment of floss and make sure you work it between each tooth and up under your gum line to remove all trapped debris. Use a clean section of floss per tooth to avoid redistributing germs on your teeth. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing to help add extra germ-fighting to your regimen.
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
Having a healthy mouth is not just about having a pretty smile. Your oral health can also determine your overall, general wellness, too. Tooth decay and gum disease can start to take their toll on your body, not only to cause an unattractive smile but lasting negative effects on your health. Gum disease can lead to receding gums and tooth loss. Left unchecked, though, the infection in your gums can spread to the rest of your body. The advanced stage of gum disease (known as “periodontal disease”) has been shown to cause diabetes, heart attack, stroke, cancer, and eventually death.
The importance of brushing and flossing cannot be emphasized strongly enough. You can prolong your life and preserve your health just by making sure you keep your teeth healthy and clean. In addition to brushing and flossing, you also need to schedule regular appointments at our office. If it has been longer than six months since your last checkup and cleaning, please give us here at Century Dental a call at (971) 708-1608 today! |
