Keeping your smile at its best means maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Flossing the right way will maximize how much debris you remove, and avoid damaging your delicate gums.
It could help you avoid costly and uncomfortable dental procedures.
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you might damage your gums if you go at it too hard.
This allows bacteria to multiply and produce acids that attack the surface of the teeth.
Bacteria cause morning breath odor and can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
How Often Do People Actually Floss?
Slightly more than 35% said they flossed between one and six days a week.
Almost 32% said they did not floss.
Plaque is formed by saliva and bacteria.
Bacteria digest sugar and release acids that can damage tooth enamel.
It reduces the risk of needing dental procedures like fillings and gum disease treatment.
Flossing benefits more than just your teeth.
Gum disease also makes it harder to control blood sugar in diabetes and increases the risk of developing diabetes.
Poor dental health among pregnant people may increase the risk of early labor and low birth weight.
A Word From Verywell
Flossing is an essential step to oral health and complements toothbrushing.
Types of Dental Floss
Several varieties of dental floss are available.
Summary
Flossing removes plaque and debris from the tight spaces between your teeth that brushing leaves behind.
Floss daily at a convenient time so you form a flossing habit.
Flossing will keep your teeth and gums healthier and could help lower the risk of other health concerns.
Options include string floss, water flossers, and interdental brushes.
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Here are four reasons.
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