Like brushing, flossing once a day after meal is not only good for your health, but it could even reduce the risk of a heart attack, say researchers.
According to Belgian researchers, flossing once a day reaches the 35 per cent of the mouth that can’t be reached by brushing alone and is vital protection against swollen, red and bleeding gums that can later lead to periodontal disease.
The researchers claim the most effective treatment for bad breath involves the three pronged approach of flossing, tooth brushing and tongue scraping.
“Gum disease, caused by the build up of bacteria on the teeth is really an infection in your mouth. An infection of any type is not good for the body, especially in people whose capability to fight infection may be compromised by an illness such as diabetes or an immune disease.
“Flossing helps keep your breath more pleasant by removing the malodorous bacterial film that can’t be removed by brushing,” Daily Express quoted Payman Langroudi, a dentist with Enlighten Smiles, as saying. The findings have been published in the Clinical Oral Investigations journal. “Now it seems regular flossing may directly reduce cardiovascular risk,” Dr Langroudi said. —PTI