What Happens if You Don’t Floss Your Teeth Regularly?

Is oral health one of your personal health priorities?

Everyone knows that brushing your teeth is imperative for a clean mouth, but what most people forget is that you still need to floss. Whether you do this daily or not, make sure you do it because it plays a key role in your oral health maintenance.

Nobody likes to ponder what happens if you don’t floss regularly, but if you keep reading, you’ll know exactly what could happen.

What Happens If You Don’t Floss

Flossing helps to remove plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria, and if it isn’t removed, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

If you don’t floss, the plaque will build up and harden into tartar, which only a dentist can remove. So, flossing is essential for maintaining good oral health!

When you don’t floss regularly, you are likely to have the following conditions:

Plaque and Tartar Buildup

One of the causes of not flossing your teeth is the build-up of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. When plaque is not removed, it hardens and turns into tartar.

Experienced dentists or dental hygienists are the ones that can remove tartar. Tartar build-up can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath when left untreated.

Cavities

The plaque and bacteria in your mouth will start to eat away at your tooth enamel and this can lead to cavities. Cavities are holes in your teeth that can be painful and cause infection. If you have a cavity, you will need to see a dentist to get it filled.

Bleeding Gums

There are many health complications that can arise from not flossing teeth. One of the most common is bleeding gums.

When plaque and bacteria build up on teeth and gums, it can cause inflammation and irritation. If left untreated, this can lead to more serious problems such as gum disease. 

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious infection of the gums and bones that support your teeth. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease.

If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums.

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss occurs when periodontits is not detected and treated at an early stage. Tooth loss happens when the gums and teeth become too weak and fall out. 

Bad Breath

The bacteria that cause bad breath thrive in the areas between your teeth that are not properly cleaned. Plaque and tartar can also build up in these areas, which can also contribute to bad breath. In addition, food particles that are not removed by brushing and flossing can decompose and cause an unpleasant odor.

Health Complications

Some of the more serious health complications associated with not flossing include heart disease and stroke. That’s because the bacteria that build up in your mouth can enter your bloodstream and ultimately to your brain. 

Over time, this can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries. This can restrict blood flow and increase your risk for heart disease.

While the risk is greatest for those with gum disease, even those with healthy gums are at risk if they don’t floss regularly. So, be sure to floss every day to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and to reduce your risk of stroke.

Why Is Flossing Important?

Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and under your gumline, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can lead to gum disease.

One of the many teeth flossing benefits is the prevention of bad breath by removing food particles and bacteria from between the teeth. It also prevents tooth decay and gum disease. 

If you don’t floss it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. That’s why it’s so important to floss daily and to see your dentist for regular checkups. 

Teeth Flossing Guide

The best way to clean between your teeth is to floss daily with an interdental brush or floss. You should floss at least once a day, and more if you eat sugary or sticky foods.

The best time to floss is before brushing your teeth. The most important thing is to be gentle so you don’t damage your gums.

There are a few different ways to floss your teeth, and it is important to find a method that works best for you. Some people prefer to use traditional floss. Others prefer to use an interdental brush or water flosser.

There are many different types of floss to use. The best one for you depends on your own personal preferences.

Some people prefer waxed floss because it slides easily between teeth. Others prefer unwaxed floss because it’s more abrasive and can remove more plaque.

In order to floss properly, use about 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around each middle finger. Leave an inch or two of floss to work with. Gently insert the floss between each tooth, using a back and forth motion.

Be careful not to snap the floss into the gums. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth. Spit the floss out after flossing all of the teeth.

No matter which method you use, flossing your teeth regularly can help to keep your smile healthy and bright. You can check with your dentist for more teeth flossing tips.

Start Flossing Today

What happens if you don’t floss your teeth regularly? You’re at risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Flossing is quick, easy, and painless.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to start taking care of your teeth. So make sure to add it to your daily dental routine! Start flossing today!

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