What’s your dental care routine like? You probably brush with a good amount of toothpaste. You likely reach all surfaces of your teeth, and mouthwash might be something you use after you rinse. Sounds like the perfect technique, right?
But, what about flossing? Are you a daily flosser?
According to a CDC survey, only 31.5% of adults said they flossed every day of the previous week, and almost a third said they don’t floss at all. This might not seem like a big deal, especially if you are regularly brushing your teeth, but missing this oral hygiene step is a mistake. In fact, it’s actually a huge problem to skip flossing!
Not Flossing Makes Your Teeth Look and Feel Bad
First and foremost, plaque or food buildup from not flossing will increase your risk of developing cavities. These cavities can form on the surfaces of your teeth or in between them. Heavy buildup will also begin to darken and shade the edges of your teeth, making them a contrasting yellow color.
Your Breath Stinks When You Don’t Floss
Have you ever caught yourself having bad breath? You can get stinky breath even when brushing due to food buildup or not reaching prominent areas of bacteria with your toothbrush. Flossing can get to those hard-to-reach places and kill bacteria while removing food particles. So, flossing will prevent bad odors like morning breath and bacterial growth.
You Can Develop Diseases and Lose Teeth
Skipping flossing can cause gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Severe cases of gingivitis will result in your gums pulling away from your teeth. Plaque buildup from not flossing will break down the bones and gum that support your teeth, and pieces of food left between them can cause tooth decay. These circumstances can eventually cause your teeth to fall out!
Poor Flossing Affects More Than Your Mouth
As if cavities and gum disease weren’t bad enough, poor flossing can also negatively affect other parts of your body. Tooth and gum disease hurt more than just your mouth; they have been linked to causing premature birth, heart disease, and even a stroke in some severe cases.
Schedule a Checkup
Now, you know why flossing is such an important part of maintaining your oral health! It protects your dental health, prevents other negative effects from happening to your body, makes your teeth look great, and helps keep your breath fresh. To check on your dental health, it’s important to attend regular dental appointments. Contact Apple Valley Dental Group to schedule your checkup today!
