You brush your teeth twice a day, so you're covered, right? Not quite. If you're not flossing, you're missing a critical step in your oral hygiene routine. Brushing alone can't reach the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gumline, where bacteria love to hide.
At Goodman Dental Center, we want our patients to have all the tools for a healthy smile, and that includes understanding what happens when you skip the floss. Here are five ways your oral health can suffer.
Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When you don't floss, that plaque builds up in hard-to-reach areas. In fact, within just 24 to 36 hours, that plaque can harden into tartar (also called calculus). Unlike plaque, tartar can't be removed with a toothbrush or floss; it requires a professional cleaning at our office.
That plaque build-up isn't just unsightly; it's acidic. The bacteria in plaque feed on sugars in your food and release acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, causing cavities. Flossing helps remove plaque from between your teeth, protecting the areas your toothbrush just can't get to.
Ever notice your gums are red, swollen, or bleed when you brush? These are classic signs of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. It’s caused by plaque build-up along the gumline. The good news is that gingivitis is completely reversible with consistent brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, a much more serious form of gum disease. With periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can become infected. This can lead to bone loss, and your teeth may become loose, fall out, or have to be removed.
Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by bacteria and food particles that get trapped between teeth. If you don't floss, you're not removing this major source of odor, which can lead to embarrassing social situations.
While daily brushing and flossing are your jobs at home, regular checkups are essential. If you're concerned about your gum health or it's been a while since your last cleaning, schedule an appointment with Brian Goodman, DDS, or Tanner Goodman, DMD, at Goodman Dental Center today. Call us, or book online.
