A great way to kick off 2022 is to promise yourself you’ll resolve to floss regularly. It may not be as flashy as some other resolutions, but flossing can be a simple way to make a giant improvement to your overall health.
Healthy mouth, healthy body
Your oral health offers clues into your overall health. Healthy mouth, healthy body. So problems in your mouth can lead to other issues beyond just your teeth and gums.
Your mouth is your entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts. Mouths are teeming with bacteria, and regular brushing and flossing help ensure that the bacteria remains healthy and doesn’t lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Here are just a few of the health issues that are directly related to your oral health…and that you’re more likely to avoid by brushing and flossing regularly:
- Endocarditis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Birth complications
- Pneumonia
- Diabetes
Floss regularly to improve your overall health
So make a promise to yourself and your long-term overall health by picking up the floss at least once per day.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you remember to floss correctly at least once per day:
- Hold the floss firmly against your teeth and move it gently up and down.
- Use fresh sections of floss as you go.
- If you find yourself forgetting to floss, be sure to keep your floss next to your toothbrush so you see it as you brush before you go to bed or when you wake up.
- If it’s easier for you to fit into your schedule, floss while you watch TV or between work projects.
Some people get “grossed out” by the germs that get kicked up when you regularly floss. But think of how great it is to remove those particles rather than letting them languish between your teeth. A quick rinse of mouthwash after flossing can help clear all those bits out and leave you feeling even fresher.
In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, regular dental cleanings are key to your oral health. Contact the Schumacher & Bauer team today to schedule your next appointment.
We’re featuring stories and suggestions from the team members at Schumacher & Bauer, DDS in our new monthly blog series. You can view all posts in this series here.
