Is Flossing Your Teeth A Waste Of Time?

Patients often ask the question “Why is it important to floss on a regular basis?”  The truth is next to vigorously brushing, flossing is the next best thing to ensure excellent oral health says Marietta dentist.  Millions of microscopic bacteria use your mouth as a home to multiply.  Flossing and brushing highly reduce their number.  When left alone, the mouth is an excellent environment for them to multiply and wreak havoc.  The bacteria produce plaque, tartar, and gum disease if not kept under control.   Brushing and flossing are the tools to keep the mouth clean with less bacteria, as it feeds on food left on or in between your teeth.  If undisturbed, it produces an acid that can cause cavities by eroding teeth.

Bad breath can also be a very unattractive result of not properly flossing.  Flossing removes bacteria between teeth in the tiny spaces that a toothbrush cannot reach. The American Dental Society and Verde Pointe Dental Associates recommend that you floss at least once a day!

Now let’s discuss what happens if you choose not to floss on a regular basis…

When a person chooses not to floss, a buildup of bacteria and plaque between teeth occurs.  If left alone, the plaque will eventually harden into tartar that only your dentist can fully remove.  As time goes on, tartar can contain higher levels of more dangerous bacteria.  The bacteria will produce toxins that can irritate and inflame gum tissue. You will notice bleeding while you floss and brush.  This condition is known as gingivitis.  Gingivitis means plaque deposits are not cleaned away and a build-up causes gum and tooth issues.  Your gums can also become very swollen and tender.  Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease; a condition where not only are your gums infected by the bacteria but so is the bone and structures supporting your teeth.  The worst cases can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and teeth that fall out.  Plaque can be removed by normal brushing, however using a Sonicare electronic toothbrush removes the plaque even better.  It is important to floss on a regular basis, because the health of your gums is just as important as the health of your teeth.

If you haven’t flossed in a while it’s time to start now...

If you happen to see a little tint of blood on the floss, this just indicates that your gums are slightly inflamed and in need of better flossing to remove unwanted bacteria.  Once, a better and correct regimen of flossing and brushing occur; the tint eventually will go away.  This means that you are on your way to better oral hygiene.   Just remember to floss first then brush. Good oral hygiene helps eliminate bacteria that can lead to problems such as bad breath, cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.  If you have been flossing on a regular basis, GOOD JOB!  Please make sure to continue.  Otherwise, if you start today, you will get on track to better oral hygiene and a beautiful smile.  A bright smile ensures great confidence, says cosmetic dentist, Marietta.