man gets ready to floss his teeth

Why Flossing Is Crucial for Beating Bad Breath

June 14, 2023 6:06 pm

Many people brush their teeth twice a day, but do you floss every day, too? Flossing cleans the tight spaces between your teeth. If you want to fight bad breath and issues like gum disease, you should floss every day.

Why Does Flossing Prevent Bad Breath?

Food debris and plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) get trapped between your teeth. While brushing does a great job cleaning the surface of your teeth, a toothbrush’s bristles can’t reach the spaces between your teeth. If you neglect to floss, food debris and plaque will produce strong, unpleasant odors. This leads to halitosis, which is the official name for bad breath. While other factors can cause bad breath (like dry mouth), poor oral hygiene is a very common reason. Only flossing can remove food bits and plaque that cause bad breath.

What Are Some Other Reasons to Floss Every Day?

Flossing every day helps beat bad breath, cavities, and gum disease, which is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Bacteria builds up along your gum line and while brushing cleans away some of it, you need to floss, too. If you don’t floss, bacteria build-up causes tooth decay and gum infections. In its early stage, gum disease can cause symptoms like swelling, tenderness, and redness. With treatments like improved oral hygiene and deep cleanings, gum disease can be reversed, but if it progresses to periodontitis, you can only manage it, not cure it.

Visit Seastone Dental in Summerville, SC for Great Dental Care

Brushing, flossing, and regular trips to the dentist are crucial for beating bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. While occasional bad breath is perfectly normal, persistent halitosis is a sign of bigger oral health problems. Whether you’re concerned about your breath or due for a visit, please contact us today!

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