Thanksgiving is a great time to enjoy a variety of foods with friends and family. While you may be sleepy and want to relax after the festivities are over, it’s important to keep your oral health in mind and floss before bedtime. Here are a few reasons why you should always floss before bedtime, especially after Thanksgiving dinner.

1. Minimize Your Risk of Gum Disease

Did you know that failing to floss daily could increase your risk of developing gum disease? Since plaque hardens to become tartar and tartar leads to gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease), it is imperative to remove it daily. Failing to floss before bed puts you at higher risk of developing periodontal disease.

2. Freshen Your Breath

When food particles are left to fester between the teeth, plaque can develop. Unfortunately, plaque is known for having a very foul smell that can affect your breath. If chronic halitosis doesn’t sound appealing to you, prevent it by flossing daily.

3. Prevent Bleeding Gums

Some people avoid flossing because it can cause the gums to bleed. But, did you know that flossing daily can actually prevent the gums from bleeding? Additionally, bleeding gums is one of the first symptoms of periodontal disease, making it even more important to floss if your gums bleed easily.

4. Minimize Risk of Other Diseases

Research shows a link between gum disease and other diseases like heart disease and diabetes. The connection is likely due to inflammation, which can spread from the gums to the heart and other areas of the body. Flossing regularly is an important part of maintaining oral health, minimizing inflammation and reducing the risk of developing physical diseases related to inflammation.

Schedule Your Checkup

In addition to flossing every night (especially after Thanksgiving), you can maintain optimal oral health by scheduling regular checkups with your periodontist. To reserve an appointment with Dr. Gregg Codelli, call Codelli Periodontics & Implants today.