What Happens When You Don’t Floss?

Flossing is one of the most important (and most often overlooked) things you can do for your smile health. In fact, about half of Americans don’t floss every day, but you may want to reconsider. Taking care of your teeth with regular brushing and flossing is essential to preventing cavities and bad breath. Here are a few of the reasons why you’ll want to make sure that you add flossing into your daily oral health care routine.

What Happens When You Don’t Floss?

• Your Gums May Bleed – Healthy gum tissue shouldn’t bleed when you brush, floss or eat. If you notice any bleeding, there is a chance that you have some gingivitis (it’s a sign of gum disease).
• Tartar Builds Up – It’s very common for tartar to build up in between your teeth. This hard substance must be removed by your dentist because, if it is left untreated, it can damage your teeth.
• Bad Breath – If you haven’t flossed in a while, there is likely buildup in between your teeth. This can cause halitosis.
• Tooth Discoloration – Neglecting oral health care can make it more difficult to maintain a bright, white smile.
• Gum Disease – Gum disease causes the gums to pull away from your teeth. This leaves pockets of space for bacteria to grow, weakening your tooth structure. Eventually, gum disease leads to premature tooth loss.

Is it time to schedule your fall dental cleaning? Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity? Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment today!