Use Helpful Tips from Your Santa Rosa Dentist to Protect Your Teeth by Daily Flossing

It’s no secret that every dentist you’ve visited has told you to floss in order to protect improve your oral and dental health. While this is an important part of your cleaning routine, how come a third of Americans never floss? Below, your Santa Rosa family dentist is going to explain the importance of flossing on a daily basis and what happens to your teeth when you ignore this necessary step!

First things first—how come people skip their flossing routine in the first place? Researchers believe that it has to do with education, whether it is at school or at home. Parents may not stress the importance of flossing on a daily basis, so they don’t find this part of dental care to be as important as the rest. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Flossing is just as important as the rest of your routine and should be treated as such.

Here is what happens over time when someone doesn’t brush their teeth:

• Going a couple of days without flossing will cause plaque build-up
• Over time, the plaque begins to harden and turn into tartar—this can only be removed by your dentist
• Without flossing on a daily basis, it can result in cavities between the teeth and potentially gum disease

The bacteria from the foods and drinks that you consume on a daily basis will hide in the places between your teeth and in the pockets underneath your gums. When this happens, the only way to get them out is with dental floss. If you’re not flossing, you’re allowing this bacteria to linger and stick around for much too long!

Gum disease can also occur, which causes extreme inflammation of your gums. This results in extremely sensitive gums that can cause bleeding and discomfort when you eat or drink. During this process, your gums become weak and you have the ability to lose your teeth since your support system is practically gone! Patients who are pregnant have a higher chance of suffering from gum disease, as well—it is linked to preterm labor and a low birth weight for the child.

While flossing many seem like an irritating step in your daily dental routine, it can completely save your smile! Schedule an appointment at your Santa Rosa family dentist by calling our office at (707) 571-7890 and start your journey towards the healthy, happy smile that you deserve today.