Flossing seems to be something that few like doing, resulting in a lot of people skipping it as part of their daily oral routine. If you are someone who is not flossing every day you may want to reconsider. Making the decision not to floss could have a greater impact on your overall health than you realize. Here are eight health issues that could affect your health if you neglect to floss.
- Bad Breath. Not flossing could be the reason for your bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis. Food particles get caught in between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t successfully get rid of, so the particles end up sitting in your teeth growing bacteria.
- Yellow Teeth. If you want a pearly white smile then failing to floss is not the way to go. Removing food and plaque buildup between your teeth helps your smile appear whiter and improves your overall oral hygiene.
- Plaque and Tartar Buildup. Plaque is a sticky film that gets stuck between your teeth and coats them. It also contains a great number of bacteria. If plaque is left untreated it will turn to tartar which has to be professionally removed by your dentist. Flossing can eliminate plaque and reduce the number of germs in your mouth.
- Cavities. Cavities form when food particles such as sugar and carbohydrates are left on your teeth, resulting in tooth decay and requiring fillings. Leaving these particles on your teeth causes plaque to form and bacteria to grow, resulting in the enamel on your teeth to dissolve.
- Gingivitis and Bleeding Gums. Once plaque buildup has formed on and in between your teeth you are at risk of developing a gum disease called gingivitis. Flossing significantly improves the health of your gums. If your gums bleed when flossing, make sure to continue flossing every day and do not get discouraged. They healthier your gums become the less likely they are to bleed.
- Early Tooth Loss. Gum disease that is not treated or improved with flossing can cause the teeth to pull away from your gums and leave space for bacteria to enter, impairing the original tooth structure. This can eventually result in early tooth loss or extraction.
- Receding Gums. If your teeth start being extra sensitive when eating or drinking then gum recession could already be in effect. Gum recession is when gum tissue begins pulling back and exposing more of the tooth root. Unfortunately, once this begins to occur there is no way to eliminate it and trying not to let it get worse is the only thing to do.
- Complications During Pregnancy. Taking care of your body is crucial when you are pregnant. Your mouth is no exception. Controlling the number of bacteria in your mouth is important to you and your baby. Bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and lead to low birth weight.
Many people lie to their dentist about how often they are flossing their teeth. Unfortunately for them their dentist already knows how much they are truly flossing. If your dentist flosses your teeth and they begin to bleed then your dentist already knows the true answer.
Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry recommends flossing every day to remove food particles that cannot be removed with a toothbrush and prevent plaque from building up. Flossing thoroughly only takes an extra 1 to 2 minutes after brushing your teeth. The mouth is a gateway to your body’s overall health so make your oral hygiene a priority. Take these eight facts into consideration next time you think flossing isn’t worth the time. If you are concerned about your oral health, schedule an appointment with one of our top-quality dentists!