“Be true to your teeth and they won’t be false to you”- Soupy Sales

Alright, I shall agree with you - flossing isn’t the most fun thing to do. Thing is, it’s one of those things that just have to be done. General dentists in Colaba recommend flossing as a great way to maintain oral hygiene.

So you ask, why is flossing such a necessity? Here are a couple of reasons it would be a good idea to dedicate a few minutes a day to your dental care.

  • Plaque Destroyer

Flossing has the ability to get into those difficult tight spaces between teeth and under the gums where a toothbrush fails to reach. It not only cleans out food particles but also the plaque that live in these dark corners of your mouth.

  • Gum Protection

Flossing is most important where the gums meet the teeth. If the plaque here is not cleaned regularly, it hardens and forms tartar. A significant build up of tartar can lead to gingivitis – a gum disease characterized by red swollen gums. If the tartar and plaque spread lower into the gums, it can cause periodontitis - a severe gum disease that results in tooth and bone loss.

  • Penny Wise Pound Foolish

Regular oral hygiene works out to be cheaper than having to rush to the dentist for an expensive emergency procedure to rectify a severe problem with your teeth or gums. Flossing is an inexpensive way to maintain oral health. Pick a time in the day that works for you and dedicate it to your oral hygiene.

  • Far Reaching Effects

We don’t realize the effects of oral hygiene; we limit it to the mouth. The bacteria from a dirty mouth can cause diabetes, heart problems, and respiratory illnesses. Look at flossing as a small step towards long term health.

It may not be evident at first, but flossing plays a very important role in the overall physical health and sense of well-being of an individual.  It catches tartar and plaque while they are manageable and prevents systemic diseases that affect the whole body. Kids should start flossing as soon as they have two teeth that touch each other. The sooner it becomes a way of life the easier the habit will be to maintain.   

Flossing is the economic prevention-before-the-cure strategy that everyone should adopt as a way of life.

Floss, floss, floss away…

by DR RAGINI PARMAR