2018 has arrived, and with it, new year’s resolutions.

 

Oh yes, it is time to promise ourselves that we will do all of those things we’ve been meaning to do for awhile. A fresh start! A new you!

We know that as the year progresses, it can be difficult to follow through with many of these plans.

Happily, the Sunnyside Dental team has a suggestion that’s easy and has a lasting impact, making it one resolution that you can stick with.

Here are 3 reasons why “I Will Floss my Teeth” should be at the top of your 2018 goals:

It Removes Plaque

 

Plaque is the enemy of a healthy mouth. This sticky substance attaches to teeth and contains millions of bacteria, increasing the acidity in your mouth, and causing tooth decay and disease.

Plaque can build up quickly, and once it hardens, it can be very difficult to remove. Hardened plaque is called tartar. More tenacious and more porous than plaque, tartar discolours teeth, and can develop below the gumline, causing receding gums, infection, and decay. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional.

The scraping action of flossing is very effective at disrupting buildup and removing plaque (and preventing tartar), especially if done regularly.

It Helps Prevent Cavities

 

Along with removing plaque, flossing can get rid of food particles trapped in between your teeth. We all know that these bits of food can be irritating to your gums, but that’s not the only drawback! As those food particles break down, they release sugars (which the plaque bacteria love!) that lead to tooth decay.

Flossing cleans out the small spaces in your smile, which feels satisfying and can help reduce the likelihood of cavities.

It Helps Prevent Gum Disease and Gingivitis

 

The acids produced by the bacteria and sugars in your mouth can lead to gingivitis and gum disease. You’ve probably heard these phrases thousands of times on commercials, but you might not know just how insidious they are.

Gingivitis is a common, mild form of gum disease. It starts out as swollen, sensitive, or bleeding gums. If left unchecked, it can progress into severe gum disease, called periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a serious disease that can cause infection in the bone and erode the connective tissue of the mouth and gums. It destroys bone, affects the body’s immune system, and can lead to tooth loss, surgery, and long-term oral health problems.

Thankfully, regular flossing (and brushing, of course!) can prevent gum disease long before it starts.


It’s not too late to start flossing, and the new year is the perfect time to pick up this healthy habit!

Flossing is an easy addition to your daily oral health routine. If you wear Invisalign aligners, remember to quickly brush and floss after you eat (before putting your aligners back on, of course).

If you haven’t flossed in awhile, you might experience a little bit of bleeding. Don’t be discouraged! This is normal, and will most likely stop within a few days, when your gums calm down.

Once you establish a flossing routine, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make this resolution sooner.

Sunnyside Dental wants you to make sure that you have a healthy smile in 2018. Contact our office to book a cleaning!