Flossing: What Can Happen If You Don’t Floss

Dentists recommend that you floss your teeth daily. However, studies have shown that up to one-third of people do not floss their teeth regularly. If you are one of the people who does not regularly floss their teeth, it may be because you do not understand what can happen if you do not floss your teeth. Here are a few of the negative consequences you may encounter if you do not routinely floss your teeth. 

YOU ARE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CAVITIES BETWEEN THE TEETH

When you floss between the teeth, you are removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria that your toothbrush may miss. This helps to prevent cavities from forming between your teeth, which are known as interproximal cavities. If you do not floss between your teeth, you are more susceptible to developing cavities between the teeth. Many people are under the impression that if they do not want to floss, they can use mouthwash to remove the items between teeth. Mouthwash can help to decrease your odds of cavities as well, but it is not as effective as flossing, so should not be used as a substitute. 

YOU CAN DEVELOP GUM DISEASE

Flossing helps to decrease the build-up of plaque between your teeth. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that is typically fueled by the carbohydrates that you consume. Brushing helps to remove plaque from the outer layer of your tooth, but the brush can struggle to reach the small gaps and pockets between your teeth. In addition to causing cavities, plaque can lead to gum disease or gingivitis. When gum disease first develops, your gums may be red and/or may bleed when you brush or floss. As the condition worsens, your gums may begin to recede. Eventually, they may recede so far that they are unable to hold your teeth in place, and you may have tooth loss. 

YOUR BREATH CAN BE AFFECTED

The last consequence that you may face by failing to floss is potentially bad breath. Flossing helps to remove plaque. When plaque is removed, it helps to prevent food and debris from sticking to the plaque and getting stuck between your teeth. Food particles that get stuck between teeth can cause bad breath. If you are on a date, the last thing you want to worry about is your breath stinking when you have a good night kiss. Flossing helps to keep your breath fresh and clean.

Here at Parke & Rogers Exceptional Dentistry, located in The Woodlands, Texas, we can help you with all of your routine dental needs. If you do not routinely floss your teeth, we recommend that you do so. It is also important to visit a dentist two times per year for a routine check-up and cleaning. If it has been longer than six months since you last saw a dentist, now is the perfect time to be seen. Call us now to schedule your appointment.