Flossing is important for multiple reasons. The number 1 and most important reason is that it makes your hygienist very, very happy but keep in mind a hygienist is the one writing this.
More seriously though, how many parts of your body do you not clean regularly ? Do you make sure to wash your hair, wash your hands, and clean the in betweens of your toes and even behind your ears? These areas are all areas that do need to be cleaned regularly because of bacteria. Well, guess what? Your mouth has even more bacteria and even more crevices for bacteria to party. Leaving the bacteria behind allows it to eat at your teeth causing cavities and can destroy the gums and bones that support the teeth.
Brushing is excellent! Brushing (if done correctly) removes bacteria from all reachable surfaces. This means, tops and sides. This does not mean the in between surfaces where teeth touch each other. As Hygienist’s we look at a tooth as having 5 surfaces. You are able to brush plaque away from three of these surfaces, leaving two surfaces untouched. This means that you are leaving bacteria on 40% of each tooth. This sounds a little bit like a buffet with your teeth and gums as the food.
What can happen if you choose not to floss?
- Cavities
- Periodontal disease
- Bone loss
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Tooth loss
- A very angry hygienist (be very afraid of this one
)
How can flossing prevent Cavities?
The start of a cavity is due to bacteria that are left behind on your teeth. The bacteria start to weaken the outer shell of your teeth. This outer shell is called enamel; this is also the white part of your tooth. Enamel is the strongest tissue in your body, even stronger than bones. So, imagine how dangerous this bacteria is if it can eat a hole through your enamel. Once the bacteria has broken through the enamel then the rest of the tooth’s layers are a piece of cake for the bacteria. If the cavity isn’t removed and the bacteria continue to eat through your tooth, it may reach the center where all the nerves live. Once, this happens you will then be on the phone calling the dentist because you will have a toothache. Toothaches can cause dental infections which may result in a root canal
This can all be prevented with simply flossing every night before bed.
Did you know that a cavity is the # 1 reason for tooth loss in children?
If you are dying to know the other things that happen to your mouth when you don’t floss then please, please let me tell you. I mentioned them above in the easy to read bullet list. The bone loss, bleeding gums and bad breath actually are all side effects to periodontal disease. Bacteria is the #1 contributing factor to periodontal disease. So, basically the bacteria that is left behind from poor oral hygiene starts to eat away at the supporting structures of your teeth. This includes gum tissue, ligaments and bone tissue. When teeth are not supported they begin to move, wiggle, jiggle, dance or however you want to word the party the bacteria has for winning the battle of tooth loss.
Did you know that periodontal disease is the #1 cause for tooth loss in adults?
To finish up, it seems that giving your teeth the extra TLC of flossing is worth the effort that it takes. It is very simple to do and the more that you do it the better and more efficient you become with it.
For any questions on technique or tricks on how to build that flossing habit, contact our dental office or leave a reply below and we will be happy to try and answer them for you!
