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No Time To Floss? 3 Reasons Why You Need To Make Time For It

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If you haven't been flossing your teeth at least twice a day, you need to start. It's not always easy to make time in your schedule for flossing, but it's important that you do. You might not realize this, but those few minutes you set aside for flossing each day will benefit you in a variety of ways. If you're not sure why you need to floss, here are three reasons for you to think about:

Alleviates Bad Breath

If you're plagued by bad breath half way through the day, the cause might be hiding between your teeth. You see, when you don't floss after each meal, tiny particles of food and bacteria gather below your gum line. The longer they sit there, the worse they begin to smell. Unfortunately, that smell will eventually come up through your gums and cause bad breath. You can eliminate the problem by flossing your teeth after each meal. You'll get rid of the food and bacteria, and freshen your breath.

Keeps Gums Healthy

If your gums are starting to look red and swollen, and you've noticed blood when you brush your teeth, you might not be flossing as often as you should be. Failing to floss your teeth can lead to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. In fact, studies show that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Studies also show that gum disease is linked to things like heart disease and strokes. Flossing your teeth, and getting rid of the bacteria that are hiding below the gum line can actually improve your health, and protect you against heart disease and stroke. If you want to prevent gum disease, you need to be flossing more often.

Reduces Cleaning Time

If your dental cleanings have been taking longer to complete, or your dentist has recommended a deep cleaning, you need to start flossing more often. Without proper flossing, plaque can build up on your teeth. If plaque remains on your teeth for too long, it can harden into a white crust called tartar. Unfortunately, tartar is almost impossible to get off your teeth without a professional cleaning. However, if you brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss your teeth after every meal, you can get rid of the tartar-causing plaque, and eliminate the longer cleaning times.

Don't risk your teeth, your gums, or your health. If you're not flossing after each meal, you should start. Talk to your dentist about other simple ways to keep your mouth healthy.


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