Does Flossing Really Help With Weight Loss?

Can a piece of string really help you win the battle of the bulge? Dentists obviously are quick to report the numerous oral health benefits that flossing provides – but it’s not just the mouth that reaps the rewards of a little waxed action.

How Does Reducing Inflammation Help With Weight Loss?

One of the toughest jobs the body has to do is keep everything running smoothly while it puts out fires (literally) that are being created by inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to a pathogen (germ), injury or other harmful stimuli. The body’s immune system is programmed to respond to any threat of harm whether it is external or internal. Combating systemic inflammation can in-time overburden a body, causing it to redirect energy away from sustaining a person’s metabolic rate – an important part of successful weight loss.

How Does Flossing Help Combat Inflammation?

Calgary Dentist – Dr. Rhemtulla – at Centennial Smiles explains that flossing daily helps prevent inflammation by removing food debris and plaque – helping to prevent Gingivitis – which occurs when gums become inflamed. Plaque feeds off food remnants – causing bacterial numbers to multiply and become an irritant to gum tissue. Gums that are irritated swell and become bright red and puffy – bleeding easily when touched. Flossing every day not only keeps gums healthy but reduces bacterial levels that contribute to other forms of oral infection and disease.

The True Benefits of Flossing

Apart from reducing systemic inflammation and helping the body perform optimally, flossing contributes to lowering the risk of dental decay. Bacteria that irritates gums causing Gingivitis also produces acids by feeding off sugars in the diet. This acid erodes tooth enamel – creating weak spots for dental decay to form. A common area for decay is between teeth – as the bristles of a toothbrush can’t always access food debris that is trapped in this area. Flossing ensures that food and plaque is removed from these cavity prone spots.

Visit Your Hygienist Regularly

Maintaining regular visits with your dental hygienist helps control levels of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Hygienists are dental professionals who are trained to recognize and treat signs of gum inflammation and help patients create a home care routine and maintenance schedule that will increase overall oral health. Developing a good relationship with your hygienist not only helps your smile – but your waistline too!

Overdue for your dental cleaning? Contact Centennial Smiles today (587) 317-7959