Hanging By a Thread: How Flossing Can Save Your Life

People don't normally pay much mind to flossing, but the health of one's gums is closely related to the health of the rest of one's body. Being that the mouth is the entry point for everything from food to air and water, entering anything into the mouth always runs the risk of introducing new bacteria into the system. There is nothing anyone can do to prevent bacteria from entering the system, but as it collects on the base of the teeth and the gums, plaque forms from the bacteria and can lead to gum infections and disease. The blood that runs through the gums is the same blood that runs all over the body, so an infection introduced into the bloodstream can cause much more serious problems down the line than a little pink in the sink. Gum disease can also be an indicator of other problems that are present in the body, so it is important to meet with dentists at least twice a year to stay on top of your oral health. To prevent gum disease, brush thoroughly twice a day, floss once a day, limit smoking, and the occasional swish with mouthwash doesn't hurt either. Also, making sure children's teeth are clean and gums are healthy is an important means of monitoring a child's overall health over the long term. For more information, log on to check out this segment from CBS News. For a reliable local dentist to check out your teeth and gums to help prevent gum disease, head over to the website of Dr. Larry James D.S.S. and schedule an appoint today!