Most of your life you’ve been told to floss and brush your teeth every day to keep your smile clean and shiny. While this continues to be true, new studies have revealed flossing to be even more crucial by increasing your chances for a longer life expectancy! Read on to learn how this simple dental care practice can save your life and the proper way to do it.
The Relation Between Flossing & Overall Health
Many people experience losing their teeth as they age, limiting their capacity to chew certain foods. This can affect their dietary habits and nutritional intake, which can then influence their general health. That’s why having a proper dental hygiene is essential for preserving a healthy smile, especially since flossing helps protect the gums. By keeping them clean and strong, you’ll decrease your chances of oral infections that could lead to more serious issues—like gum, cardiovascular, and kidney disease, along with some forms of cancer.
Recent studies have also shown that people over 50 who floss regularly tend to have a higher life expectancy than those who don’t. With this correlation, it’s easy to see how flossing is a significant factor for maintaining good general health.
Picking the Right Dental Floss
The dental floss you choose must be effective at removing plaque buildup, which is the main cause for gum disease. You might use flavored multifilament flosses to enjoy the taste, but the material could shred in your mouth if your teeth are tightly next to each other. Monofilament products are less likely to shred, but they may be more expensive. And if you’re not at home, you can always carry floss picks for convenience!
How to Floss Teeth Properly
To floss correctly, you’ll need at least a foot of loss to wrap around your middle fingers, using two inches at a time. Once you have the line between two teeth, and curved in a ‘C’ shape, proceed with sliding it up and down so the floss scrubs off any plaque and debris. The curved shape will also allow you to reach under the gumline. After you’re done, move the line back and forth as you pull it up, and then change to a clean section of the floss for the next area.
By keeping your teeth and gums free of plaque on a daily basis, you can improve your chances of living a longer and healthier life! And if you need additional cleaning, your dentist can always provide a professional touch.
About the Author
Dr. James K. Kramer is a proud member of a number of organizations including the Delaware State Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. He provides high-quality and comprehensive dental care with the advanced and personalized treatment your smile deserves. If you wish to know more about the importance of flossing for your overall health, visit his website or call 302-436-5133.