For goodoral hygiene dentists from all across the world have been recommending flossingteeth at least once a day. Most people in India are not aware that our teethhave five sides. Moreover, with brushing, we can only cover three sides. If theteeth are not flossed properly, then the food particles and bacteria may remaintrapped between our teeth. It’s a simple step that not only helps in preventingbad breath but also avoiding cavities and gum disease.
Despite this, only 16 percent of the adults floss their teeth,as per the survey by the American Dental Association (ADA). This percentage ismuch worse in the Indian context. Most people are not aware of the importanceof oral hygiene and flossing.
“InIndia, the overall awareness regarding oral health is very limited. Majority ofthe population is not even aware of what flossing is and how it can prevent thebuild-up of plaque which results in oral diseases such as gingivitis and dentalcarries,” explains Dr Mohendar Narula, Founder and Chairman, MyDentalPlanHealthcare Pvt. Ltd.
Accordingto a new study carried by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, there is anothercompelling reason for people to make flossing a part of their daily routine.The report highlights how flossing may even help against cognitive decline. Itgoes on to note that adults with more tooth loss had 1.48 times higher risk ofcognitive impairment and 1.28 times higher risk of dementia than the others.This was the case even when other factors were controlled.
Itis not just the loss of teeth that puts them at higher risk but not getting adenture to replace them is another important factor as per this survey. Itnotes that adults who experienced tooth loss were more likely to have cognitivedecline if they did not have dentures.
Inaddition to this, people are not aware of the fact that our dental healthaffects our brain cells. Commenting on this, Dr Narula says, “When wefloss, we reduce the inflammation and potential infection in our mouth, keepingthe infection from spreading to our brain cells. Healthy gums lead to avoidingthe loss of brain cells and even memory loss. It only takes a minute a day andcan help in keeping the gums, mind and memory healthy.”
Inthe light of all these, it is imperative to spread more awareness regarding maintainingoral hygiene and inculcating flossing as a part of the daily routine. It is notjust important to make flossing a part of the daily routine but also understandthe right way to do so.
Mostpeople tend to floss up and down as it feels like the most intuitive way to getrid of gunk between your teeth. However, as per the experts, this is not a foolproof way to get depositions out from your teeth. Flossing up and down onlyremoves some of the stuff between your teeth, but it neglects the sides of yourteeth and the area below the gumline where plaque can accumulate.
Ithas also been found that many people who suffer from sensitive or bleeding gumsare tempted to avoid flossing for fear of making their bleeding gums worse.However, as per experts, flossing can help in improving the health of theirgums and thereby helping to prevent them from bleeding.
Consideringall the benefits that flossing has to offer, it is important to understand theright way to floss teeth and to make it a part of the daily routine.