New Patients 610.904.9274

Current Patients 610.458.8025

126 Pottstown Pike Chester Springs, PA 19425

Top 6 Reasons to Floss Every Day

why is flossing importantWe get it — no one likes flossing their teeth. It’s an often-overlooked step in an oral health routine, and it’s sometimes difficult to do correctly or comfortably. Yet flossing every day is critical to preventing serious tooth decay and health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and heart problems.

There are many reasons why dentists urge their patients to floss every day. Dr. Jason Petkevis of Dental Distinction in Chester Springs, PA wants you to know the top 6 reasons why you should floss every day.

1. Brushing alone only gets 60% of the plaque off of your teeth

Around 40% of the plaque that needs to be removed from teeth is hidden between teeth in places a toothbrush can’t reach. While brushing is important to your oral health as well, nearly half of the plaque can’t be reached by brushing alone! Flossing, or some form of interdental cleaning such as an oral irrigator, is the only way to reach in between the teeth.

2. It prevents bad breath

When bacteria builds up between and around teeth, the acids they produce cause bad breath. Removing this bacteria and the food particles they feed on will limit this process and prevent bad breath, not to mention preserve gum health.

3. Flossing removes cavity-causing bacteria from hard-to-reach places

Over 500 different bacteria species live in the mouth, and when they feed on leftover food particles between the teeth, they can cause cavities. Since brushing cannot reach between the teeth, flossing is the only way to prevent cavities in this area.

4. It reduces your risk of gum disease

In addition to cavities, bacteria can cause gum disease. What starts out as a little bleeding when you brush your teeth can quickly turn into severe decay without you noticing other symptoms. Regularly removing the plaque that causes gum disease will keep it from progressing into a serious condition.

5. Gum disease is directly linked to serious health problems

New studies are finding links between Alzheimer’s disease and gum disease, and it’s already well established that gum disease is linked to cardiovascular problems. When it comes to gum disease, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and brushing and flossing are the best way to prevent gum disease.

6. Flossing saves you money in the long run

Flossing helps save you money by preventing gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, which might otherwise require complex dental procedures to treat. The easiest, cheapest way to prevent oral health problems is with some dental floss, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.

Expert Dental Care in Chester Springs, PA

Dr. Petkevis is an experienced dentist in Chester Springs who offers patients affordable, compassionate dental care in a professional and welcoming environment. To schedule an appointment with our office, call 610.400.1459 or request your appointment online today!