St. Augustine, FL
Flossing is an essential part of everyone’s oral hygiene routine, but very often, people think they can skip over flossing and still have an A+ checkup at the dentist. That’s not quite how it works. When you skip flossing while cleaning your teeth, you are missing about a third of the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing gets in between teeth, where toothbrush bristles don’t reach.
Let’s take a look today at what could happen if or when you decide to skip flossing …
Why is flossing important?
Flossing removes food particles and plaque and bacteria buildup between the teeth. This keeps your teeth and gums healthy, preventing you from developing tooth decay or gum disease, and it also promotes fresh breath. Flossing is one small but mighty component of your oral health regime. Our family dentist in St. Augustine also recommends you brush your teeth twice a day — once in the morning after breakfast and once at night before bedtime — for two minutes each time. It’s also imperative to visit our dentist’s office twice a year for an exam and routine cleaning.
What happens if I don’t floss?
Perhaps you’ve gone a year without flossing every day and you’ve received consistent glowing reports from the dentist over the years. Don’t let this fool you. The consequences of not flossing build over time, just like a cavity. Bacteria and plaque that lurk in your mouth and between your teeth will eventually start causing your teeth to decay. And this can eventually lead to gum disease — first gingivitis then periodontitis — which is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults.
What’s so bad about gum disease?
Gum disease is common; in fact, almost all adults will experience some level of gum disease at some point in their lives. But it’s completely preventable with proper oral care. Gum disease that has gone unchecked and has progressed can cause irrevocable damage to your oral health.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
- Red, Swollen and/or Tender Gums
- Gums that Bleed Easily
- Chronic Bad Breath
- Loose Permanent Teeth
- Missing Teeth
- Receding Gums
- Sensitive Teeth
Family Dentist in St. Augustine, Florida
When you’re completing your daily oral hygiene routine, be sure not to forget to floss. Flossing takes very little time but packs a powerful punch in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease. If it’s time for your routine dental checkup, or if you’re interested in learning more about how you can improve your oral health, call our St. Augustine family dentist at Palencia Dental at 904-664-5254, or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment today.
