The holiday season is right around the corner! Aside from the fun winter holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, we’re also looking forward to National Flossing Day on November 25.
Coming right around Thanksgiving, National Flossing Day is when the American Dental Association and periodontal and dental practices celebrate oral hygiene and remind patients about the importance of flossing to keep teeth and gums in good health condition.
About National Flossing Day
National Flossing Day was originally established in 2000 by the National Flossing Council to educate and remind patients about the importance of flossing and flossing is a key part of oral hygiene and health.[1]
The Importance of Flossing
Twice daily flossing is part of a well-rounded oral hygiene routine and one of the best ways to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Unfortunately, according to a recent study, many adults neglect their gums and lie to their periodontist or dentist about how often they floss.
Flossing may not be our favorite activity, but it has numerous benefits, including:
Preventing Plaque Buildup
Bacteria, sugar, and food particles create a film on your teeth that’s called plaque. This sticky, colorless film that bacteria feeds on makes your teeth feel “fuzzy.” Over time, the bacteria produce acids that can destroy tooth enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay.[2]
Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and causes a breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth, which can cause tooth loss. Plaque buildup leads to gum disease, which first presents as gingivitis, or tender and swollen gums. Over time, it can become a severe periodontal disease that causes the gums to recede.
Brushing and flossing will help prevent plaque from building up and reduce tooth decay and gingivitis.
Stopping Tartar Buildup
When plaque builds up on the teeth and isn’t removed, it hardens and becomes tartar. This forms above and below the gum line, leading to gum disease and receding gums. Once it hardens, it must be removed with special tools by a dentist or periodontist.
Because tartar is hardened, it makes it more difficult to floss and brush as you should, which leads to cavities and tooth decay.[3] Left untreated, tartar leads to progressive gum disease. Flossing is an important step in preventing plaque from turning into tartar.
Fighting Cavities
Food lodged between your teeth contributes to plaque formation. If you don’t clear the food particle, then plaque builds up and starts to erode your tooth enamel and create cavities. These are permanently damaged areas in the enamel of your tooth in the form of holes or openings.
Cavities are a common problem, but they need to be treated. Without adequate treatment, cavities get larger and affect the deeper layers of your teeth, leading to toothache, infection, and possible tooth loss.[4] Brushing and flossing are the best protection against cavities and tooth decay.
Flossing should be done twice daily. If you are not sure how to floss properly, your dental or periodontal hygienist can show you how to floss for best results.
Celebrate National Flossing Day with Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester
National Flossing Day is a celebration and reminder to keep up with flossing. But for your oral health, it’s important to keep up with regular daily flossing and periodontal exams. If your teeth require special care, contact the team at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester to schedule your appointment! 585-685-2005
Sources:
[1] https://nationaltoday.com/flossing-day/
[2] https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/plaque-and-your-teeth
[3] https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tartar-dental-calculus-overview
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
