Floss to Prevent Gum Loss! Improving Your Health Starts Here

Do you floss your teeth each day?
If so, you’re on the right track to maintaining healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.

If not, read on to find out why flossing is vital for oral and general health!   

Flossing daily helps prevent cavities.  If you don’t floss each day and reduce the bacteria that builds up in between the teeth, cavities can form.  If not treated properly, these cavities can lead to further tooth decay and other severe dental problems.

Effective flossing can remove plaque buildup along the gums and prevent inflammation of the gums, also known as Gingivitis.  Symptoms of Gingivitis include painful, swollen gums that may bleed.  Untreated gingivitis can lead to gum disease, causing periodontitis requiring periodontal treatment or the receding of the gum line, and other serious oral health problems.

Flossing regularly helps to remove the bacteria that builds up in your mouth that causes bad breath, also known as halitosis.  The combination of regular brushing and dental flossing reduces the tartar buildup that causes bad breath.  Regular brushing is great; but it isn’t enough since the bristles can’t reach in between the teeth to sweep out all the food particles and bacteria buildup.

We’re back to Gingivitis, and the potential problems it can cause.  The buildup of oral bacteria may travel down the throat down to the respiratory system.  While not routinely a problem, these bacteria can worsen a compromised respiratory system, contributing to respiratory disease.   Flossing daily can help prevent the buildup of oral bacteria.

Did you know that flossing can affect glucose levels and Diabetes?  The oral bacteria that builds up in your mouth may affect the glucose levels in your blood.  If you floss each day, you can help eliminate that bacteria which can have a positive impact on Diabetes.

Not only can flossing positively affect Diabetes, but it can also help prevent Heart Disease.  When an individual has Gingivitis, the buildup of oral bacteria can cause gum inflammation and the bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the bleeding, swollen gums. This bacterium can add to the fatty deposits in the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk for Heart Disease and blood clots.

So, how do you floss your teeth? If you’re using dental floss, we recommend pulling out about 16-24 inches of dental floss.  Wrap the ends around your middle and index fingers.  Now, wrap the floss around each tooth, moving the floss back and forth and up and down to loosen any food particles between teeth.  When finished, be sure to swish with water or dental rinse in your mouth and spit out any food particles.

There are also other tools that might be easier for children or some adults who have difficulty grasping the floss.  Consider trying a pre-threaded disposable dental floss pick that’s easier to handle and works like floss with an easier-to-hold plastic grip.

We believe dental floss is one of the easiest and most affordable tools to keep your teeth, gums, and smile beautiful.  Following a proper daily oral hygiene routine can mean the difference between great oral health and serious dental and other health problems.  Get in the habit and start flossing today!  And keep up with regular dental cleanings and dental exams as well.

Miro Dental Centers

Dr. Claudio Miro and associates have been treating patients in the greater Miami area for over 30 years. As a team, we believe that the patient is of upmost importance at every level.   We take pride in the care we provide to our patients at Miro Dental Centers. We take the time to make sure our patients are fully informed and are given all treatment options.  Our goal is to the provide our patients with optimal oral health by using state of the art technology. With the dental field rapidly advancing, we are always looking for new and innovative treatments to serve our patients. We provide all types of services, including dental cleanings, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry.

If you have questions about your dental health or would like to schedule an appointment at our dental offices in Coral Gables, Kendall, Hialeah, or Hollywood, please contact us today at 305-442-7444.