A good number of people say that they don’t floss. According to U.S. News, 32% of them say that. They are making a big mistake, though, and they are putting both their oral and physical health at risk. Here’s why it’s important to floss — you could find yourself looking for local dentist offices sooner than you’d like.

It Can Prevent Tooth Decay

When you eat, food particles can get stuck between your teeth. Not only is it unsightly, but it can affect your oral health. If you just brush, even with a fancy electric toothbrush, you're not going to get everything out. Those food particles can break down into bacteria, which will attack your enamel and even make your breath smell bad. Flossing will get rid of those food particles and prevent this.

It Can Prevent Gum Disease

Another byproduct of not flossing is that plaque can build up on your teeth, and you can start showing signs of gum disease, like gingivitis. Fortunately, this is reversible. Start a brushing and flossing routine to prevent gum disease. Flossing takes a minute to do. If you have not flossed in a while, you may see some blood. Just be mindful and gentle with your floss. If you don't floss, the plaque can turn to tartar, which isn't reversible and needs visits to local dentist offices. This is known as periodontitis.

It Can Help Your Physical Health

If you don't care for your teeth, the bacteria in your mouth can travel to your bloodstream via your bleeding gums. This can also lead to tooth loss, and even other conditions, like diabetes and cancer. Talk to your dental professional about the right way to floss. This is about far more than having a great smile. Your whole body will benefit from this simple one-minute activity. You can use dental floss or dental picks for some of the areas that are hard to reach.

Few things have this kind of return for such a minimal amount of time needed. Are you ready to add flossing to your daily routine? It's going to be worth it. Are you looking for some local dentist offices in your area? We can do everything from family dentistry to implant dentistry. Contact AAA Dentistry today to make an appointment.