Everyone knows that flossing is a critical part of maintaining good oral health. In fact, from a very young age we are constantly reminded to floss our teeth or wea��ll get cavities. Something we never question, though, is why flossing is so important. Luckily, the dentists, dental assistants and dental hygienists that we see regularly can easily answer this question. In fact, if youa��re on your way to filling one of these important roles, you too will learn why flossing is so important. Then ita��ll be your job to impart that insider knowledge on your future patients once you break into the field.
In the meantime, leta��s take a look at some of the benefits of flossing that youa��ll learn about in your dental hygienist courses.
1. Dental Hygienist School Grads Know Flossing Prevents Teeth from Falling
While it wona��t happen immediately, individuals who do not floss their teeth regularly will become at risk of losing them. In your dental hygienist courses, you will learn that a thin layer of bacteria called plaque can build up in the mouth and around the teeth. Trained experts know that this usually occurs overnight. Thata��s why flossing before bed or in the morning is so important. If this plaque is not removed right away, it will harden and become tartar.
Once you start your career, part of your job will be to advise patients that if plaque and tartar are left unattended in the mouth, they can get into the gums and under the teeth, causing gingivitisa��which can then lead to periodontal disease. And research has shown that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. How can tooth loss be avoided? Dental hygienists know that the easiest way to prevent periodontal disease and eventual tooth loss is to floss at least once each day.
2. Pros with Dental Hygienist Training Know Flossing Prevents Many Diseases
Dental hygienist school grads know that flossing and maintaining good oral health is not only beneficial to the teeth, but it can also prevent diseases that affect other areas in the body.A�Some of these diseases include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory illness and more. These are often referred to as systematic diseasesa��conditions that affect multiple organs and systems in the bodya��and oral conditions like periodontal disease are known to contribute to these illnesses. In fact, research has shown that there is a link between poor oral health and a range of serious illnesses, since bacteria that grow in the mouth can actually harm other parts of the body.
Thata��s why dental professionals tell their patients to floss daily. They know that the teeth and mouth are not the only things at stake and the entire body can be affected.
3. Grads of Dental Hygienist Courses Know that Flossing Saves Money
If falling teeth and health problems are not enough to convince future patients to floss, perhaps this bit of information might. Did you know that flossing regularly can actually save your patients money in the long run?
During your training, youa��ll learn that the tartar caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth can create cavities in the teeth. And as you know, filling such cavities can become rather expensive since this procedure generally costs between $75 and $150 per tooth. Additionally, treating other oral conditions like gum disease, for example, can be even more expensive.
With this knowledge and the training youa��ll receive at a good dental hygienist school, youa��ll be able to convince all of your future patients how important it is to floss daily!
Are you interested in pursuing a rewarding career as a dental hygienist?
Check out our dental hygienist training program and learn how you can get started!
