The fact is; many people in the current digital society have an established daily oral hygiene routine. However, there are not too many people that floss their teeth regularly. In fact, only 49% of Americans floss their teeth every day, and 10% do not floss at all. Although the morning routines can make flossing seem like a waste of time, many doctors advise that we practice regular flossing to prevent gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, or weight gain.
Studies reveal that there is a connection between obesity and gum disease. Gingivitis is one of the diseases that one can get when they do not floss. It is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the gums. Research conducted with animals shows that there is a link between weight gain and inflammation. The study showed that animals that had gum disease had a higher likelihood of being obese; when they were treated, their weight was reduced.
According to Mark Burhenne D.D.S, inflammation causes stress in a person’s body, interfering with their metabolism. When fat cells get inflamed, they are unable to control insulin as efficiently as they normally do, which results in glucose being stored as fat instead of being used to generate energy for the body. Fatty acids may also seep from the cells, leading to conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Fortunately, this kind of inflammation can be treated clinically; hence good oral health also means good overall health. Once you have treated the inflammation, you will realize that you are stronger in the gym, quicker on the track, and of course, slimmer.
Another study published in a journal called Oral Diseases established that obese people have poor dental health compared to their normal weight, similarly aged partners, and are six times more likely to get severe gum diseases. Obesity is the cause of inflammation in the body, and inflammation leads to other diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, and periodontal disease. Obesity is a risk factor for most of these diseases; hence, there is a clear connection between obesity and inflammation. Periodontal disease has been associated with many illnesses such as heart disease or stroke. Thus, it is essential to observe good dental health and a healthy weight.
To understand why flossing is critical, you must first understand what it does to dietary health. Flossing regularly will help to avoid gum disease and reduce the likelihood of bleeding gums. People who floss regularly are also less likely to develop gingivitis or gum inflammation. Tooth decay can also be caused by leaving food particles trapped in between your teeth.
Toothbrushes are excellent at brushing teeth and removing food contaminants and plaque from the teeth. Regardless, a toothbrush would not be able to handle the workload on its own. A toothbrush cannot reach those deep areas of the mouth.
It’s also worth noting that flossing is most effective when performed correctly. Take about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap the majority of it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss exposed. The floss should then be gently brought to the bottom of each tooth and gently brought under the gum line. When you’re ready to move on to the next tooth, slowly unwind a little bit of the floss. To ensure that all food particles are extracted, it is also recommended that you pass the floss up and down in between each tooth several times.
What if I’m opposed to flossing, are there any alternatives? There are some flossing alternatives, such as the use of floss picks that might be more appropriate for some people. They are tiny plastic parts with a handle on one end and an inch of dental floss on the other. It’s a lot easier to keep and use than conventional dental floss. Soft picks are another choice that is still fairly new. Since they floss the teeth in a gentle manner, this could be a good choice for the elderly or those with braces.
Flossing has many advantages, and it will only take a few minutes of your time. You can also contact us at 479-795-1101 or visit us on Facebook for consultation or to schedule an appointment for a professional cleaning.
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