dental floss

Beauty Buzz in Personal Care

Dental Flossing is an Important Part of a Beauty Routine

It’s often said that a smile is a person’s best asset. You may not think of dental floss as a beauty product, but it is actually one of the most important ones you have in your bathroom because it is also a health product.

Everyone knows the importance of flossing for good oral hygiene. Brushing teeth can remove the plaque on the teeth’s surface, but flossing can remove the plaque and food bits that accumulate between the teeth. If not removed, plaque formation will continue to build up between teeth, causing acids to attack tooth enamel and making teeth more vulnerable to decay. These same acids can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis. Plaque also contains bacteria, which when left to sit on the gums, can cause gingivitis to develop. Appearing as inflamed gums, gingivitis is the first sign of gum disease, and if not treated can turn into the more serious periodontal disease.

In addition to protecting your teeth and gums, a good oral hygiene routine may reduce other health concerns, including the risk factors of heart disease and stroke. The bacteria found in plaque, that can cause gingivitis, can also make its way into the body, including penetrating cardiac tissue. Flossing regularly reduces the amount of plaque in the mouth, which means there is less risk of bacteria moving to other areas of the body.

To floss, dental tape or floss can be used. Tape is thicker and works better for individuals who have a little extra space in between teeth. If your teeth are very close together, floss will be a better option. There are a variety of flosses on the market, some may be flavored with mint or cinnamon, but all of them do the job. Some products even include baking soda, such as the floss from Supersmile, as an extra preventative measure for bad breath. The floss from Tom’s of Maine is prepared with a unique combination of natural waxes to help the floss glide smoothly between teeth and at the same time be gentle on the gums. The strong nylon filaments twisted together prevent the floss from snapping or fraying.

Find the floss that works best for you, and use it daily for a beautiful smile and healthy mouth.