What Happens When I Forget to Floss?

Dentists and specialists strongly advocate for regular flossing, but have you ever wondered why? Flossing is critical for optimal dental health and, when you forget to floss, this can affect your smile in more ways than one. 

Forgetting to floss may result in the following:

Increased Risk of Cavities

If food particles, plaque, or bacteria are not removed, they can attack the tooth enamel and cause cavities. 

Cavities can affect one or more teeth and attack several of the tooth layers. If not treated, cavities can cause harm to the dental pulp and make a root canal necessary.

Increased Risk of Gum Disease

If plaque is not removed from the surfaces of the teeth and the gum line, it affects the gums. Plaque can irritate and infect the gums, causing them to swell and bleed. 

Additionally, plaque can harden into tartar causing gum recession and weakening the jawbone over time. This, in turn, can result in loose teeth or even lost teeth. Therefore, it is critical to eliminate plaque regularly by flossing to prevent damage to the gums.

Compromised Overall Health

Gum disease can affect your overall health and worsen conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and rheumatoid arthritis if not addressed in time.

Tips for Effective Flossing

When it comes to appropriate flossing, follow these tips:

• Using around 16-18 inches of floss, wrap most of it around your middle fingers.
• Using your thumbs and index fingers, carefully glide the floss between your teeth using back-and-forth strokes (avoid snapping the floss onto your gums).
• Following the curve of your teeth, gently floss between each tooth and along the gum line.
• Using a clean section of the floss, go in between each tooth.
• Keep floss or floss picks on hand in case food particles get stuck between your teeth throughout the day.

Proper flossing not only benefits your dental and general health but also helps you avoid pricey treatments. If you need specialized therapy, our staff will assist you in determining the most cost-effective course of action.

To learn more about the benefits of flossing, don't hesitate to get in touch with our team at All Care Dentistry. Dr. David Powell, DDS, and his team of dental assistants are pleased to provide you and your family with the answers and information you need to obtain a stunning smile. For more details or to schedule an appointment, call (801) 266-1414, book on our website, or visit us at 6065 S Fashion Blvd # 275, Murray, Salt Lake City, UT 84107.