Taking good care of your teeth is important for your overall health, not just your oral health. In fact, poor dental hygiene can actually lead to other serious illnesses, such as heart disease, which is why you need to start practicing good oral care right away.

While most people take some care of their teeth, most don’t realize that good oral hygiene goes far beyond simply brushing your teeth. Yes, this is important, but it’s not the only thing you can do. Along with brushing your teeth, flossing is something that you should also do regularly, and here’s why.

Flossing gets in between the teeth:

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day can help remove any plaque or other build up, and it can also remove any harmful bacteria. But brushing only gets the surface area of your teeth. Flossing is intended to remove plaque and other build up from those hard-to-reach places, such as in between your teeth and closer to the gum line. Plaque and other bacteria can build up in these areas, and since brushing won’t reach these areas on its own, flossing is necessary to keep your teeth free from harm.

Flossing removes food particles:

Along with bacteria and plaque building up in between your teeth, food can also get stuck in these crevices that brushing alone can’t reach. If these food particles are left in your teeth, they can wear down the enamel on your teeth as well as cause an infection. By flossing regularly, you can remove these food particles from your teeth and ensure proper oral care.

Flossing reduces your risk of gingivitis:

Gingivitis occurs when tartar build up is left untreated. The first signs of gingivitis include red, swollen gums, and if left untreated, can lead to more severe gum diseases, such as periodontitis.  Along with the severity periodontitis can cause in your mouth, it can also lead to other health issues, such as lung disease, heart attack, stroke, and premature birth.

Flossing reduces your risk of other serious diseases:

Research has shown that poor oral hygiene can lead to other serious health issues, such as heart disease, respiratory illness, and diabetes. In order to keep yourself healthy, not just your mouth, it’s very important that you floss your teeth as well as brush them at least twice every day.

Flossing reduces pain at the dentist’s office:

One of the most hated experiences at the dentist is when he or she has to scrape the metal tool against your teeth, causing you to bleed. This experience is worse if you don’t floss, as your dentist will need to work harder to remove the excess tartar that builds up on your teeth.

However, if you start to floss regularly, you will reduce the amount of tartar build up that occurs, and your dentist will spend less time scraping it off your teeth. Not only will this make your visit less painful, but the flossing will strengthen your gums, so you will also experience less blood during the procedure too.

Flossing saves you money:

The cost of floss is minimal to the amount of money you will spend on dental procedures, surgeries, and other health-related issues if you don’t floss. If you want to keep money in your pocket, start flossing regularly.