The holiday season is officially here, and we all know what that means–delicious food and sweets galore! While heading straight to the couch after your holiday meal to digest while watching TV may be your first instinct, we are here with 3 reasons why you should consider taking a quick detour to floss first.
1. Flossing prevents cavities.
Forgetting to floss after a long day may seem harmless at the time, but the more you do it, the more damage you’re causing to your body. Plaque and bacteria feed on the sugar and food particles that remain in your mouth after eating. This build-up of bacteria and plaque can eat away at the enamel on your teeth, causing cavities and tooth decay.
2. Flossing keeps your gums healthy.
Some people may not like flossing because their gums get red or tend to bleed easily. However, if your gums bleed when you floss, that is your body’s response to trying to fight off the bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Flossing is a physical way of helping your gums do so. While the bleeding may be heavier at first, it should decrease the more you floss–and the healthier your gums get. Flossing can prevent gingivitis and gum disease, which occur when plaque and bacteria build-up.
3. Flossing helps your overall health.
Studies have shown that an unhealthy, bacteria-filled mouth can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and even bacterial pneumonia. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy now will cause your body to thank you later. The more you floss, the better off you are!
Perhaps one of the best things about flossing is how easy it is to take proper care of your body. Aside from keeping healthy teeth, gums, and overall health, a clean mouth equals a clean and bright smile. So, this holiday season, after you finish a delicious meal with your loved ones, take an extra 2 minutes to floss. Your smile will thank you!
Contact Crabtree Valley Dental to schedule your next appointment today.