Ask a Family Dentist: What Happens If You Do Not Floss?

Any family dentist will tell you that it is very important to floss your teeth every day. However, you might be wondering what happens if you do not follow your family dentist’s instructions about flossing. You might be wondering if you really need to floss every day or if you can skip it every now and then. Read on to learn more about why your family dentist recommends regular flossing.

Flossing and plaque buildup

Every time a person eats, bits of food become stuck between the teeth. Rinsing the mouth and brushing the teeth can remove some of this food. However, it is impossible to remove all of these bits of food with brushing and rinsing alone. Even if a patient cannot see bits of food between the teeth, the food particles are still there. And these particles can cause serious issues for patients.

These bits of food can feed the bacteria that live in the mouth. As a result, this can cause plaque, a sticky film, to form on the teeth. If the plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into a substance known as tartar, which cannot be removed at home. A family dentist must use special tools to scrape away the tartar.

Gum disease

If not removed, plaque and tartar can trap bacteria against the teeth. This can cause gum disease for patients because the bacteria cause the gums to become infected. Gum disease has several symptoms, including:

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
• Sensitive gums
• Inflamed gums
• Loose teeth in advanced stages of the disease
• Loss of teeth and jawbone structure

Gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease, has several problems for patients that go beyond oral health. One of the main risks of this is heart disease. More studies are needed to link the two.

However, some researchers believe that gum inflammation increases the level of inflammation in the blood. This can increase the risk of blood clots and reduce the blood flow to the heart. Other researchers believe that the bacteria from periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream. This can ultimately impact the cardiovascular system for the worse.

Benefits of flossing

Regular flossing can eventually make the teeth look brighter. Patients should floss at least once a day to see the desired results. Flossing removes the plaque and tartar from the teeth. As a result, the teeth can overall look cleaner.

Visit a family dentist near you today

Regular flossing is extremely important for a patient’s general dental health. It is one of the main ways of preventing gum disease, which can have many negative effects on your health. A family dentist can show you the right way to floss and give you tips if you find it difficult to get into the habit. Visiting a family dentist can help you start taking better care of your teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.biancodentistry.com or call Dental Health Associates, PC at (503) 862-3270 for an appointment in our Portland office.

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