What Happens When You Don't Floss?
Floss is a key part of a proper oral hygiene routine. It reduces the risk of plaque build-up and infection development. Yet, according to the CDC, only about one-third of adults in the United States floss their teeth daily. Here’s what can happen if you don’t use floss regularly.
Tartar Build-Up
The most common sign of poor or improper oral hygiene is the build-up of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film that collects around your teeth and along the gum line.
This occurs when the bacteria in your mouth mix with starch or sugar residues from your foods. Plaque becomes a prime spot for bacterial growth. Acids released by these bacteria can attack the tooth enamel if they aren’t removed by brushing and flossing.
Failing to remove plaque will eventually lead to tartar build-up. Tartar is the hardened version of plaque. This residue sticks to the tooth enamel and is incredibly difficult to remove. This tartar can’t be removed at home.
Bacteria will continue to increase under the hardened plaque, leading to a faster deterioration of your teeth. To prevent plaque from turning into tartar, it is essential to brush your teeth and floss daily.
Increased Risk of Cavities
Bacteria in plaque and tartar produce acids that stick to the tooth enamel. Brushing removes plaque on the front and back of teeth.
But, if you don’t floss, the acids will dissolve the enamel between the teeth, leading to cavities. Left untreated, cavities can lead to severe tooth decay, and a loss of your tooth’s vitality.
In most cases, a root canal could preserve the functionality of the tooth. However, in some cases, the decayed tooth can’t be saved and will need to be removed.
Bad Breath
When eating, food particles can remain trapped between your teeth. If you don’t remove these particles daily, they will decay the tooth. The decaying food and acids released by bacteria are one of the main causes of bad breath. To reduce bad breath, floss after each meal.
Cosmetic Issues
If you dream of flashing pearly whites when you smile, flossing your teeth is essential. When plaque and tartar stay on your teeth for too long, they lead to the yellowing and staining of your teeth. Enamel discolorations can be challenging to remove, especially between the teeth.
Gum disease can also lead to interior tooth decay. Unless you visit your dentist regularly, this type of tooth decay is nearly impossible to spot. It’s usually not caught until the advanced stage when the affected tooth appears blackened. All these issues can affect your smile, sometimes undermining your confidence and self-esteem.
Bleeding Gums
Regardless of your oral hygiene habits, healthy gums don’t bleed. However, if you fail to clean your teeth properly, the plaque and tartar can build up along the gum line.
This could lead to gum inflammation, making your gums more prone to bleeding. To prevent gum inflammation, bleeding, and sensitivity, floss your teeth regularly.
If you experience bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can check for plaque or tartar build up and check your overall oral health. When left untreated, bleeding gums can lead to gum disease and health complications.
Gum Disease
One of the main complications of poor oral health is gingivitis, or gum disease. When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. Symptoms often include sore and swollen gums, sensitivity and bleeding gums. You may also see your gum line recede.
The easiest way to avoid gum disease is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Loose Teeth
If you don’t floss your teeth, you’ll see your teeth become loose. Inflammation and a receding gum line can cause this. It breaks down the collagen and fibers that hold your teeth together.
With prompt dental care and consistent home care, loosened teeth can tighten up again. However, this process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It depends on the severity of the problem.
To prevent teeth from getting loose brush and floss daily. Attend regular dental checkups at least twice a year.
Tooth Loss
While gum disease and loose teeth can be fixed in most cases, the damage is sometimes irreversible. In these cases, gum disease will lead to a loss of the affected tooth or teeth.
The empty socket in the gum can be hard to keep clean and is prone to infections. The teeth nearest to the gap may shift to fill in. This could lead to extensive damage to your oral health.
Don’t delay dental care if you lose a tooth. The longer you delay dental care, the higher the probability of complications.
Chronic Health Problems
Inflammation and infections in your mouth can expand to your vital organs. Studies have shown a link between gum disease and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. This can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, clotting problems, lower respiratory tract infections, and pneumonia.
Gum disease can also affect the nervous, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems. This can lead to issues like dementia, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and uncontrolled type II diabetes. Proper oral hygiene, including the regular use of dental floss, can prevent many of these issues.
Risk of Pregnancy Issues
During pregnancy, poor oral hygiene can have a negative impact on your and your baby’s health. Oral infections can sometimes cross the placental barrier and lead to fetal infections.
Another risk associated with pregnancy includes gestational diabetes. This increases the risk of complications. Gum disease in pregnancy is also linked to preterm birth and low birth weight.
Floss To Maintain Your Oral Health
To reduce plaque build-up and the risk of more severe problems, brush and floss regularly. Schedule regular dental exam and have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. For those with more severe oral health issues, schedule a dental visit more frequently.
Are You Searching For A Martinsburg Area Dentist For You Or Your Family?
If you’re searching for an experienced dentist please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
