Dental floss.
I don’t like to floss.
I don’t have time to floss.
Because most people have a resistance to flossing. There is, also, confusion as to how important flossing is and when to, actually, do it.
If you don’t floss or don’t do it regularly enough, think about this:
Any food sitting out for too long, goes bad. Most people will not eat breakfast food that has been out for more than a few hours. Why does food go bad? Bacteria!!!
In the mouth it is estimated that up to 30% of food stuck on the teeth can be removed with dental floss. This food, if not removed will collect bacteria. Food and bacteria mixed together creates an acidic mix which breaks down tooth enamel and other parts of the teeth causing cavities.
Additionally, this acidic mix, also, irritates the gums and in many cases causes bone loss around teeth. Most patients that experience bone loss, show bone loss between teeth, right where flossing can help. Bone loss disfigures your gum line, makes your teeth look longer, and makes a person look older. Bone loss will, eventually, lead to tooth loss.
There has been controversial evidence as to whether or not flossing is really needed. Pressure from the Associated Press pushed the government to remove daily flossing from the 2015-2020 version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They cited the effectiveness of flossing had never been fully researched.
Subsequently, the American Academy of Periodontology (gum specialists) responded to this the very same day. As specialists, the effectiveness and benefits of good home care routines are seen daily. Even though they acknowledged studies are lacking, the clinical evidence and experience are good indicators for maintaining good oral health. They advised patients should continue to floss until quality research suggest otherwise.
Similarly, it only took 2 days more and the American Dental Association sided with the periodontists, flossing is still an important part of daily oral hygiene.
Seems like, one could extrapolate…is taking a shower every day important? Is there research that supports this?
In summary, flossing has its merits just as a daily shower does! Consequently, frequency is questionable and should be considered at least once per day. Therefore, people diagnosed with gum disease should consider flossing at least twice or more per day.
