Everyone?s been told to floss more. In fact, many of us dream of a dental visit where ?flossing more,? isn?t advised on our way out. The obvious reasons to floss are nothing you haven?t heard before– breaking up plaque and bacteria by flossing just once a day can keep cavities from forming and keep your gums healthy and happy. However, there are many other benefits to flossing that may get you moving to reach for your floss before heading to bed. Here are four benefits of flossing that influence more than just your dental health.
- Happy gums, happier heart
When our gums are inflamed because of bacteria that is not being removed efficiently, the bacteria ultimately can get into the bloodstream. Once bacteria has made it?s way to the arteries and blood vessels, it can not only increase the risk of hypertension and heart attacks, but the heightened risk of heart disease leads to a long list of cardiovascular concerns. While we may not think dental health = heart health, the mouth is an entryway to the rest of the body that makes a big impact on our cardiovascular wellness. Flossing to prevent gum disease is also a way to take good care of your heart.
- Boosting our brain power
It is often unknown that our dental health affects our brain cells– keeping the number of brain cells we have up. When we floss, we reduce the inflammation and potential infection in our mouth, keeping the infection from spreading to our brain cells. Keeping our gums healthy is linked to avoiding the loss of brain cells and memory loss. A few minutes flossing can keep your mind & memory working more effectively.
- Keep you friends close and your floss closer.
Nobody wants to be the friend , co-worker or partner with bad breath. Not only is bad breath embarrassing and not the first-impression we hope to have, but it can indicate that your gums and dental health need some TLC. By flossing at least once a day, you keep your gums healthy, tight and from being full of debris from food and bacteria that will ultimately start to stink! Become better friends with flossing, and your friends will have all the more reason to be better friends with you.
- Keep your wallet full for fun things
What would you do with a little extra cash? Well, whatever it is, you may be able to make your dreams a reality by keeping your dental costs down. By doing a better job of caring for your teeth at home, you keep the long term consequences and high cost dental procedures from being a part of your budget. Flossing regularly keeps your teeth from decaying, falling out and effectively and fights periodontal disease in a way that your wallet won?t have to later. Take the extra cash where you can while also taking the best care of your health.
If you could brush up on your flossing skills or have any symptoms such as swelling or frequent bleeding in your gums, give Krengel Dental a call ( 952-888-1311) and we can help get you to a healthier, happier smile.
