When you don’t floss your teeth, you may realize day after day that shockingly, nothing horrible is happening. You thought for sure that you’d immediately notice your teeth feeling loose, dropping out of your mouth, or looking damaged. You thought you’d deal with widespread oral pain, extremely inflamed gums, and worse! However, here you are. You’ve skipped this part of your dental hygiene for a while and nothing bad has occurred. Well, as far as you can tell, that is. Our Ankeny, IA team reminds you that the effects are cumulative. They take a while to occur. However, they will occur. Learn more about what will happen (eventually) when you decide to leave floss out of the equation.
Bad Breath
When you don’t floss your teeth as part of your daily dental hygiene, we encourage you to think about what’s going on. Focus for a moment on what you’re leaving behind. Your smile is coated every day with plaque. It covers dental tissue, which includes beneath your gumline. It works its way between teeth. Then, you eat. Food particles accumulate in these areas, too. So, the bacteria within the plaque have a heyday with that food and what you end up with is a buildup that not only feels yucky and encourages problems but that also smells bad. The result: Bad breath!
Tooth Decay In Unexpected Places
Remember what we just said about that bacteria feasting on the food particles that become lodged between teeth and at your gumline? Well, when bacteria eat in your mouth, they digest the foods they consume. For bacteria, the digestion process leads to the eventual release of acids. These acids are very damaging for your teeth and one of the leading causes of tooth decay (which can form between your teeth and at your gumline if you’re not flossing as part of your dental hygiene!).
Gingivitis (And Beyond)
Yep, we’re still talking about that bacteria and the acid environment they create. Unfortunately, the release of acids onto your gum tissue can also lead to serious inflammation called gingivitis, which can then progress into more serious stages of gum disease unless you quickly treat it. Don’t mess around with gum problems! Instead, get flossing soon and see us for a periodontal visit and any required treatment ASAP!
Ask Us For Flossing Guidance
Bring your concerns, ideas, thoughts, and uncertainty to our team when you’re not entirely sure that you’re flossing correctly or you simply have questions. Set up a dental checkup and get ready for improved smile care! Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
