Dentists and dental hygienists always stress the importance of dental flossing to their patients. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost one-third of all people in the United States never floss. Most people probably don’t recognize the importance of flossing to their oral and overall health. Keep reading to learn what happens when you don’t floss.
If you have any questions or concerns about keeping your teeth and gums healthy, schedule an appointment with Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.
Why Brushing Isn’t Enough
We all know the importance of brushing our teeth daily. But unfortunately, brushing alone can’t keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. Using the right toothbrush and brushing technique can remove dental plaque from the visible portions of your mouth. However, tooth decay and gum disease usually begin between your teeth in areas not accessible to toothbrushing. In addition, studies show that toothbrushing alone removes less than half the plaque present in your mouth. Fortunately, by combining daily flossing using the proper technique, you can effectively clean all surfaces of your teeth and prevent plaque buildup under your gums.
7 Possible Consequences of Not Flossing
Maybe the apparent simplicity of flossing keeps it from being recognized as a critical component of maintaining optimal oral health. It does seem hard to believe that passing what appears like a piece of sewing thread between your teeth can profoundly affect your health. However, when you floss correctly, you can significantly affect your teeth, gums, and possibly some major life-sustaining organs. Unfortunately, there are also severe consequences if you don’t floss. Not flossing can result in:
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Gum disease. Flossing removes the bacteria beneath your gums that cause gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
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Tooth decay. Plaque that accumulates on the sides of your teeth can quickly form a cavity. Flossing is the only thing you can do to remove it and prevent a cavity.
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Bad breath. If not removed by regular flossing, food particles and bacterial byproducts can cause halitosis.
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Tooth extractions. The leading causes of tooth loss are dental decay and advanced periodontal disease. Both are preventable with proper brushing and flossing.
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Gum recession. Many people don’t realize the importance of removing plaque between the teeth to prevent gum recession and the beginning of gum diseases.
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Abscesses. Flossing helps prevent tooth infections that require root canal treatment or extraction and gum infections that may need periodontal surgery to keep your teeth.
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Heart disease and other health conditions. Researchers continue to find links between gum disease and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
Steps For Healthy Teeth and Gums
Everyone forms dental plaque that must be removed to prevent problems ranging from a mild inflammation of your gums to an increased risk of heart disease. Fortunately, you can collaborate with your dentist to maintain your oral health with:
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Brushing your teeth daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Flossing daily using the proper technique.
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Regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings.
Schedule Appointment
Contact us at Trident Dental to learn how we can help you prevent oral diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease that can damage a bright and beautiful smile.