Studies show that the majority of adults don’t floss regularly. But there’s a reason your dentist recommends you do it daily. These consequences of not flossing will make you think twice about skipping this important part of your routine.
Gum Disease
When you don’t floss, plaque builds up between your teeth and gums. This can cause gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become red, swollen, irritated, and easily bleed when you brush. If left untreated, the plaque can build up even further so that the bacteria in plaque infects your gums, teeth, and even the bone that supports your teeth and gum tissue.
Bad Breath
Perhaps one of the most embarrassing results of not flossing, bad breath (or halitosis) is caused by poor dental hygiene. When you eat, food particles get stuck in between your teeth. If you don’t floss to remove those particles, they can start to stink and can lead to a build-up of potentially dangerous bacteria in your mouth that could lead to more serious problems than bad breath.
Loss of Teeth
If you don’t floss and you develop gum disease, your teeth can become loose, fall out, or even need to be removed by your dentist. By flossing daily, you remove the plaque build-up and bacteria that infect your gums, teeth, and bones, and reduce your risk of tooth loss significantly. It’s also important that you learn to recognize early signs of gum disease in order to have it treated sooner rather than later.
Gum Recession
A prominent sign of gum disease, gum recession happens when your gums pull away from your teeth and expose the root of your tooth. This causes tooth sensitivity and pockets to develop in between the tooth and gum line. These pockets are the perfect home for disease-causing bacteria.
Pneumonia
Your mouth is the gateway to your entire body, so when your mouth is filled with bacteria and other pathogens, you are at risk for spreading them throughout your body. When you inhale those pathogens in your mouth, you are bringing that infection into your lungs, which could lead to the development of pneumonia or other serious respiratory infections.
Other issues associated with not flossing include dementia, brain abscess, diabetes, kidney disease, ulcers, pregnancy complications, and more.
It is vital that you practice good oral health to reduce your risk of developing any of these serious conditions. Be sure to brush twice a day for two minutes each time, rinse with mouthwash, and floss at least once a day, especially at night to cleanse your mouth of the build-up of food particles from throughout the day. Regular check-ups and cleanings are also incredibly important for your oral health, so call us today to make an appointment!