What are the Real Consequences of Not Flossing?

Over half of adults (more than 50% of the population) in the United States don’t floss their teeth regularly. You may think you’re in good company if you’re in the half that doesn’t floss. You’d be wrong. Although millions of people neglect flossing every year, they are risking their oral health. Studies have repeatedly shown that skipping dental floss, even when you brush your teeth twice daily, leads to many oral health problems that can become serious health issues as you grow older. The only effective way to remove compacted plaque and food debris from in-between the teeth is by mechanical debridement of the area i.e. flossing. 

Cavities 

Without flossing, food debris, including sugars and carbohydrates, burrow into the spaces between your teeth and stay there. Plaque builds up, bacteria flourish, and your teeth enamel is severely attacked, leading to consistent cavities. As the pH drops due to the by-product of the harmful bacteria, the mineral content in enamel begins to break down leading 

Gum Disease 

The same plaque contributes to cavities, leading to gum disease, starting with gingivitis. Red, tender, swollen gums are the first signs of gum disease, which can lead to gum, teeth, and bone infections over time. The gum disease will slowly deteriorate the bone surrounding the teeth and you will lose support of the surrounding tissues. 

Halitosis (Bad Breathe) 

Halitosis is a fancy word for chronic bad breath. If you don’t floss, your bad breath can become so bad that others avoid being near you. Halitosis is often caused by decaying food particles stuck between your teeth and the resulting bacteria. Flossing removes these stubborn bits of food so you can rinse them away after brushing. The bad breather will persist until floss is able to remove the impacted plaque and harmful bacteria. 

Gum Recession 

Gum recession is one of the most obvious signs of gum disease that has moved beyond its earliest stages of gingivitis. The gums pull away from the base of the teeth, exposing the teeth’s roots and increasing sensitivity. Eventually, “pockets” develop between the teeth and gums, where bacteria can gather, leading to tooth loss and other painful complications. 

Tooth Loss 

Once gum disease sets in, it can quickly progress from its early stage (gingivitis) to periodontal disease. It is quite serious and can lead to gum recession, bone deterioration, and tooth loss. Once you’ve lost a tooth, you can’t get it back. While you can replace a missing tooth with an implant or denture, nothing is as good as your natural tooth. There is now a proven systemic link between gum disease and overall systemic health i.e. diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

Pneumonia 

Your mouth is the gateway to your entire body, so when it is filled with bacteria and other pathogens, you are at risk for spreading them. When you inhale the pathogens in your mouth, you may breathe them into your lungs, which could lead to pneumonia or other severe respiratory infections. This is especially common in elderly patients. 

Other issues associated with not flossing include dementia, brain abscess, diabetes, kidney disease, ulcers, pregnancy complications, and more. With so many problems linked to not flossing regularly, we hope you will start doing so now if you have not flossed regularly in the past. 

How to Floss Properly 

To floss effectively, start with about 18 inches of floss. Wind most around your middle fingers, leaving an inch or two to work with. Hold the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, guiding it gently between your teeth in a sawing motion. Curve the floss into a C shape against the tooth and gently slide it under the gumline. Glide up and down the side of each tooth, avoiding snapping or forcing the floss.  

Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to prevent bacteria from spreading. Rinse your mouth after flossing to remove loosened plaque and debris. Floss daily to maintain healthy gums and to avoid decay between teeth. Consistency and technique are essential to effective flossing for optimal oral health. 

If you haven’t been flossing or it’s been more than six months since your last dental checkup, it’s time to contact Forcioli Family Dentistry at Lombard IL Cosmetic Dentistry Office Phone Number 630-627-1495 to schedule an appointment! Dr. Forcioli and his team are waiting to help you improve your oral health care.