When’s the last time you flossed your teeth? Chances are, you haven’t done so in a while.

According to CNN, a recent study performed by Center for Disease Control (via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) collected startling data about Americans and their flossing habits.

Researchers surveyed more than 9,000 adults older than age 30 and as it turns out that only about 1 in 3 reported flossing daily. The study found that 32.4 percent of the people surveyed said that they don’t floss at all during a typical week; 37.3 percent said they flossed occasionally, but not daily; and 30.3 percent said that they flossed every day in the past week.

Even if you take good care of your teeth otherwise by brushing regularly and avoiding acidic foods, if you don’t floss, you could still end up with a number of serious gum and tooth issues down the line. Flossing removes food particles that get stuck between your teeth that brushing can’t clean out, and once the food sits there long enough it turns into tartar. Tartar and plaque are very damaging to your teeth. Tartar breaks down your teeth and gums, causing problems such as gingivitis or gum disease, halitosis or bad breath, and can even cause teeth to fall out. Once your teeth and gums are riddled with gingivitis – which will cause a long list of issues for you – it can be a long road back to having a healthy mouth.

The simple solution to preventing these problems with your pearly whites and protecting your smile down the line is to floss daily. Once you get into the habit of doing it, it won’t seem like such a big deal. Losing a tooth and dealing with painful gum disease is certainly a bigger deal!

For more information on the benefits of flossing, talk with your dentist at your next appointment – another vital part of keeping and happy and healthy smile. To schedule your next visit to have your teeth cleaned and checked, make an appointment online now or call Brockport Dental today at 585-589-0000.