How Flossing Can Help Restore Gum Health​​​​​​​

Despite constant reminders from their dentists, many still choose not to floss. Experts at the American Dental Association say that even if you brush your teeth for two minutes, you still cannot reach what is in between your teeth. Flossing may extend your usual time for brushing teeth. Even so, it can do wonders for your gum health. If you want to understand how flossing can help restore gum health, here’s what you need to know.
 

Removes Plaque

When you use dental floss regularly, you remove plaque and you prevent plaque buildup. If you do not floss, the plaque in your teeth becomes tartar. Plaque is usually in areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. Dental specialists say that you could think of flossing as a means to vacuum your mouth. Flossing can thread out hidden food particles and stubborn plaque. Without excess food particles, bacteria cannot thrive and produce acids that cause tooth decay.
 

Plaque is a collection of bacteria that continue to produce acids. Your teeth corrode and infection starts to burrow into your gums and jawbone. If you have infected gums and jawbone, your teeth will lose the necessary anchorage. Without plaque, you can be certain that your gums are healthy.
 

Allows Regular Inspection of Your Mouth

When you open your mouth during flossing, you get the chance to look at your entire oral cavity. You can check for any redness or swelling in your gums, tongue, teeth, and the inner lining of your cheeks. Take note that diseases like HIV/AIDS and cancer can cause the appearance of lesions in your mouth. Spotting any of them immediately can signal you to see a doctor right away.
 

Activates an Inflammation Response

Health scientists say that when you have an infection or an injury, your immune system sends blood to the affected area. This is how your body heals. The same way happens to your gums after flossing. Bleeding, soreness and swelling in your gums after you floss are signs that your immune system has been activated. Your immune system starts the inflammation response in your gums to repair any damage or battle any infection. As you floss more, bleeding and swelling become less, and eventually, stop.
 

Prevents Serious Medical Conditions

There is growing evidence connecting gum disease to an elevated risk of developing heart ailments. Scientists say that gum infections seep into the bloodstream and enter your cardiovascular system. Worst case scenario, the periodontal disease becomes a life-threatening systemic disease. With flossing, you can prevent the onset of periodontitis. At the same time, you keep serious medical conditions at bay.
 

Flossing is a simple, yet impactful way to care for your gums and teeth. Here at Arlington Dentistry By Design, we always encourage our patients to floss daily. We believe that optimal gum health is equivalent to excellent general health and well-being. You can visit our clinic in Arlington, Virginia, for a one-on-one consultation. Please feel free to call us at 703-841-0300 if you want to schedule an appointment or ask questions about flossing and gum health.