For good
oral hygiene dentists from all across the world have been recommending flossing
teeth at least once a day. Most people in India are not aware that our teeth
have five sides. Moreover, with brushing, we can only cover three sides. If the
teeth are not flossed properly, then the food particles and bacteria may remain
trapped between our teeth. It’s a simple step that not only helps in preventing
bad 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 is much worse in the Indian context. Most people are not aware of the importance of oral hygiene and flossing.
“In
India, the overall awareness regarding oral health is very limited. Majority of
the population is not even aware of what flossing is and how it can prevent the
build-up of plaque which results in oral diseases such as gingivitis and dental
carries,” explains Dr Mohendar Narula, Founder and Chairman, MyDentalPlan
Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
According
to a new study carried by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, there is another
compelling reason for people to make flossing a part of their daily routine.
The report highlights how flossing may even help against cognitive decline. It
goes on to note that adults with more tooth loss had 1.48 times higher risk of
cognitive impairment and 1.28 times higher risk of dementia than the others.
This was the case even when other factors were controlled.
It
is not just the loss of teeth that puts them at higher risk but not getting a
denture to replace them is another important factor as per this survey. It
notes that adults who experienced tooth loss were more likely to have cognitive
decline if they did not have dentures.
In
addition to this, people are not aware of the fact that our dental health
affects our brain cells. Commenting on this, Dr Narula says, “When we
floss, we reduce the inflammation and potential infection in our mouth, keeping
the infection from spreading to our brain cells. Healthy gums lead to avoiding
the loss of brain cells and even memory loss. It only takes a minute a day and
can help in keeping the gums, mind and memory healthy.”
In
the light of all these, it is imperative to spread more awareness regarding maintaining
oral hygiene and inculcating flossing as a part of the daily routine. It is not
just important to make flossing a part of the daily routine but also understand
the right way to do so.
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Most
people tend to floss up and down as it feels like the most intuitive way to get
rid of gunk between your teeth. However, as per the experts, this is not a fool
proof way to get depositions out from your teeth. Flossing up and down only
removes some of the stuff between your teeth, but it neglects the sides of your
teeth and the area below the gumline where plaque can accumulate.
It
has also been found that many people who suffer from sensitive or bleeding gums
are tempted to avoid flossing for fear of making their bleeding gums worse.
However, as per experts, flossing can help in improving the health of their
gums and thereby helping to prevent them from bleeding.
Considering
all the benefits that flossing has to offer, it is important to understand the
right way to floss teeth and to make it a part of the daily routine.