3 Reasons Flossing is “Worth It”

People often use pairs to say that things go together, but many times, three things make the pair work. For example, we go together like peanut butter and jelly… and bread. Or, we go together like milk and cookies… and the cup. So while you may be thinking a toothbrush and toothpaste are the perfect pair, don’t forget the third element⁠—floss. 

Flossing should be an essential part of your daily routine, but for many people, they’d rather skip it. “It makes my gums bleed,” “It hurts,” “It’s annoying,” “I’ll just brush my teeth,” are all excuses people make to avoid the thin, white thread of floss. It doesn’t matter how many excuses you make, flossing is still important. 

Confidence

Almost every time you look in the mirror, you check your smile. Maybe it’s for a confidence boost or you are making sure you don’t have anything stuck in your teeth, but either way, floss can help. Flossing helps keep your pearly whites pearly and white. The purpose of flossing is to remove the filmy plaque from your teeth. This plaque, if not removed, can lead to a yellowing tartar buildup. Brushing is also an essential part of dental health, but it needs floss to reach places where the toothbrush can’t. This helps remove more plaque and unwanted food from your teeth. Stay confident with fresh breath and a clean smile by flossing.

Prevention

When plaque builds up on your teeth, it leads to a variety of problems. For instance, cavities and tooth decay are all results of plaque. When plaque and tartar are left untreated, it can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is disastrous for your gums and the bones around your teeth and jaw, and it is a possible factor of heart disease and diabetes. Not only are these problems painful, but they are also expensive. Save yourself the money and the discomfort by flossing. 

Dentist Visits

Not everyone loves visiting the dentist. We get it. It can be awkward and painful to sit back while a hygienist cleans your teeth. Something that can make your dental visits more enjoyable is flossing. When your teeth are being scraped, it’s because of tartar buildup. If you are flossing daily, you’ll have less plaque to create tartar, and your gums will be strong enough to withstand bleeding.  

Find What Works For You

If you’ve tried to be a consistent flosser and you still can’t get into it, try mixing it up. You may not want the classic 15 inches of thread wrapped around your fingers, or you might have braces to complicate the situation. Other options for flossing include floss picks or interdental brushes. Water flossers and floss threads are especially helpful for people with braces. 

“You’re Bleeding Because You Don’t Floss”

You’ve heard it from your dentist and they’re right. Your gums are bleeding because you aren’t flossing, or you aren’t flossing properly. Even veteran flossers bleed. It’s a sign that plaque has built up and it’s causing your gums to inflame. Sure, it hurts a little, but it should be an indicator that you need to be flossing better, not that you should stop. If you want to feel confident about your smile, health, and dental visits, keep flossing.

Make the dynamic duo of toothbrush and toothpaste a terrific trio by adding floss. We promise it’s worth it. 

If traditional flossing methods don’t work for you, schedule an appointment and we’ll help you determine the best way to incorporate this into your healthcare routine.