While most people don’t think twice before brushing their teeth daily, the same cannot be said for flossing. Although brushing requires a little more effort, flossing should be performed at least once daily. People often forget or choose not to floss for several reasons, ranging from sensitive gums and an inability to do it to a lack of time and an ignorance of its impact on their health. However, failing to floss regularly can increase your chances of developing certain oral health conditions. Even though it may seem like a small task, the longer you skip this part of your oral care routine, the more likely you will see a decline in your overall oral health. Please continue reading to learn the consequences of not flossing regularly and how our general dentistry/dentists in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ, can help you maintain good oral health.
What is the Purpose of Flossing?
Flossing helps remove bacteria, plaque, and food from between your teeth. In addition, it reduces the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. Dental floss is used to clean between teeth or places a toothbrush usually has difficulty reaching or cannot reach. It aims to disrupt the formation of dental plaque before it calcifies to form calculus. If plaque builds up on your teeth, it can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. Therefore, flossing should be implemented into your daily oral care routine to maintain oral health.
What Happens If You Don’t Floss?
After two weeks of consistently neglecting floss, plaque, and tartar will accumulate between your teeth. While brushing, clean the surface; it cannot go in between teeth, meaning you will experience a significant buildup of plaque and tartar. It’s important to note that tartar is the hardened version of plaque. It’s tough to remove once it hardens and must be removed by a dentist.
Regarding oral hygiene, plaque and tartar buildup are not the only culprits. Bad breath, or halitosis, can become more noticeable when you don’t floss regularly. This is because food particles remain in your mouth. Bacteria then start to break down these food fragments, producing sulfur compounds, which are responsible for mouth odor. Flossing should be incorporated into your daily oral care routine to minimize odor.
Moreover, healthy gums don’t bleed. Failing to floss can cause plaque to build up along the gum line. This leads to inflamed gums, which are more prone to bleeding. In severe cases, not flossing can lead to gum diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. When this happens, it could eventually lead to receding gums and even loose teeth.
As you can see, not flossing regularly can pose a significant risk to oral health. As such, it’s best to schedule an appointment with the experienced Dental Associates of Basking Ridge team, who can help you improve your oral health.
