{"id":1572,"date":"2014-08-08T00:22:50","date_gmt":"2014-08-08T00:22:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dentalassociatesofdelaware.com\/?p=1572"},"modified":"2026-06-03T16:46:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T20:46:28","slug":"the-importance-of-flossing-daily","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentalassociatesofdelaware.com\/blog\/the-importance-of-flossing-daily\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Flossing Daily"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While most of us know that it is very important to brush and floss our teeth regularly, flossing is something that many people neglect to do each day for a variety of reasons. Some people say flossing takes too long and others think it’s not really necessary because they brush their teeth several times each day. Some people report only using dental floss when they need to remove something that gets stuck between their teeth such as a kernel of popcorn or piece of nut. It has been estimated that nearly half of all Americans neglect to floss their teeth each day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people floss their teeth at least once per day in order to maintain good oral health. This is because a toothbrush simply cannot reach into the tight spaces between teeth and in the area between the base of the teeth and gums. These are places harmful bacteria gathers and grows wherein it develops into a buildup of plaque on tooth surfaces. Our hope is that by reading this post you are more aware of how flossing everyday can affect your oral health both negatively or positively based on your efforts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stops Tooth Decay, Gum Disease and Prevents Tooth Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When plaque is left between teeth and near gums, it accumulates wherein the plaque releases acids that cause tooth decay or cavities. This harmful plaque also can cause red, swollen and sore gums, which are the first visible signs of gum disease. If this inflammation continues to develop it can lead to deterioration of the jawbone, which eventually leads to tooth loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minimizes Bad Breath<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flossing completes tooth brushing as it gets into those spaces where bristles simply can’t reach. Flossing daily helps minimize bad breath because it removes hard-to-reach bacteria that can cause an offensive odor. Many people don’t realize that it would be cheaper and more effective to floss their teeth each day rather than spending money on breath mints!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protects Your Overall Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Medical studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontitis (a severe form of gum disease) may be linked to some serious medical conditions and disease including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n