Flossing can be quite a chore for some people. It takes a little extra time, it can be difficult to reach the back teeth, and it may even hurt if your gums aren’t used to it. However, it’s still an absolutely essential part of your daily at-home oral hygiene routine. Here at Littleton Implants & Periodontics, we’d like our patients to be aware of the importance of flossing.
Flossing daily will dislodge food debris and bacteria from between the teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Consequences Of Skipping The Floss
Below are a few harmful and dangerous consequences of choosing not to floss:
- Dental Cavities – If plaque is allowed to build up between the teeth, it will eventually begin to wear away at the tooth enamel. This will cause small holes to form, known as dental cavities. Bacteria can fill the cavities and could eventually cause an infection.
- Tartar Buildup – Plaque can easily be removed from the teeth by brushing and flossing diligently, but once plaque has hardened into tartar, it can only be removed with professional help. This removal is often uncomfortable and time-consuming.
- Halitosis – Skipping the floss is a common cause of chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bacteria and leftover food debris does not smell pleasant, and your breath will suffer, causing embarrassment and self-consciousness.
- Gum Disease – If you allow plaque and tartar to build up around the gums, they will eventually become infected, leading to gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis and even tooth loss.
- Yellow Teeth – Plaque buildup appears yellow. If it’s not removed, plaque buildup between the teeth will cause your smile to appear dull, and yellow. Removing this debris by flossing can make your smile look clean, healthy, and sparkling.
The most dangerous part of choosing not to floss is risking gum disease and periodontitis. Here at Littleton Implants & Periodontics, your gum health is very important to us. To learn more about avoiding gum disease or to make an appointment, please contact our Littleton, Colorado office today.