A survey done in 2008 showed that even though 80% of Americans agree that good oral health is “absolutely needed” only a third of Americans say they do an “excellent” job of taking care of their mouth, teeth and gums. The study also showed that only 49 percent of Americans floss every day and that one in ten American adults do not floss at all. If you are not flossing every day, then you may want to consider doing so. Below are some of the reasons you need to floss every day.

Cavity Prevention

Cavities are something that most of us have had in our lifetime. Many people think that brushing is the only thing that is needed to prevent cavities. Flossing helps remove food debris and plaque from the inter-proximal region (the areas between your teeth). This is a place where tooth decay often forms and is usually missed during brushing.

Gum Disease

The CDC estimates that nearly 50% of American adults have periodontal disease. The plaque inside of your mouth is made up of viruses, bacteria and microscopic parasites. If plaque is not removed from your gums and between your teeth, then inflammation will occur. Gum inflammation is the first phase of gingivitis, or mild gum disease.

Gingivitis can be corrected with brushing, flossing and a professional dental cleaning. However, if it is not treated, then it will eventually become periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the alveolar bone to deteriorate. The alveolar bone is the bone that holds the teeth inside of the jaw. If this condition is not treated, then it will eventually cause one to lose his or her teeth.

Prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath is also known as halitosis. If dental plaque is not removed from in between
your teeth and near your gums, then it will eventually cause a bad smell to develop inside of your mouth. You can prevent bad breath by flossing your teeth on a regular basis.

Saves You Money

Dental care can be quite expensive. One of the easiest things that you can do to save money on dental care is to take good care of your teeth. Not only are dental care costs rising, but insurance benefits are decreasing for many people. That is why preventative dental care is essential.

If you have children, then it is important for you to make sure that they receive dental care early. There was a study done that compared two groups of children. One group of children have their first dental visit before the age of one whereas the other group had their first dental visit after the age of one. The results of the study showed that the overall dental care costs of the children who visited the dentist before the age of one were 40 percent lower.

It is also important for you to make sure that you are doing your part when you are in between dental visits. Flossing will help keep your teeth healthy so that you can save money on dental care. You will need to begin flossing your children’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that fit closely together.

Protect Your Heart

Many people are concerned about heart disease because it kills more people each year than any other medical condition. Studies have even shown that flossing can help prevent heart disease. The bacteria from your mouth can enter your heart’s tissue. If that occurs, then it can cause inflammation in the heart. The streptococcus is one of the types of bacteria from the mouth that can enter the heart.

If you already have heart disease, then you may be able to reduce your risk of complications by flossing every day.

Prevent Diabetes Complications

It is estimated that 25 million Americans have diabetes. People who have diabetes are more likely to have gum disease. Gum disease can also aggravate diabetes. Additionally, diabetes have a tendency to heal slower, and tissue inflammation occurs at a more rapid rate. If you floss every day, then you can reduce your chances of developing diabetic complications.

Flossing is not something that you want to neglect. It not only keeps your gums and teeth healthy, but it also helps protect your heart and prevent diabetic complications. Furthermore, flossing and taking care of your teeth can help you save money on dental care.