Your dental appointment is tomorrow morning, so you especially brush your teeth with vigor and floss your teeth—for the first time this year. It’s not like your Oakton dentist will be able to tell the difference, right? Wrong! You may think that telling a white lie to your dentist can get you off the hook about neglecting your gum health, but in reality, you’re causing more damage to yourself than disappointing your dentist. We recommend that you take your dental hygiene routine seriously—all parts of it—to keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come. Let’s talk about how healthy gums play a part in the rest of your health.
Why is it important to floss?
When you don’t floss your teeth, you’re not cleaning up to 35% of your tooth surface! The sole purpose of flossing is to remove the dental bacteria, debris, and food from between the tight crevices of your teeth. When you neglect your teeth and gums by avoiding flossing daily, you leave those harmful materials to rot on your teeth and harden to tartar on your teeth and below the gum line. You’ll eventually develop tooth decay and one of the most debilitating dental diseases: gum disease.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease begins foods along with other dangerous bacteria in your mouth builds up along and under the gum line. Plaque, a sticky film-like substance, sits on top of your teeth, gums, and tongue and hardens over time if it’s not removed—creating harmful tartar. It can cause infections throughout your mouth and inflammation. Inflammation can deteriorate your healthy teeth, gums, jawbone, and even your systematic health. Some signs of gum disease include:
- Loose permanent teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Inflamed gums
- Receding gums
How can gum disease deteriorate my overall health?
When you begin to see your gums get swollen, red, and puffy, you should visit your family dentist in Oakton right away. If gums are inflamed, especially in gum disease’s advanced stages, your gum line can start to detach itself from your natural teeth. This allows dangerous dental bacteria, foods, and other harmful debris to enter below the gum line. Being that your mouth is the portal to the rest of your body, these materials can directly enter your bloodstream. These toxins create inflammation in the body that can cause swelling and blockage in the blood vessels that allow your brain to communicate with the rest of your body effectively or even your heart. Gum disease increases your chances of having a stroke or developing gum disease.
How can I avoid these health issues?
Preventing dental issues starts with you and your diligence when it comes to completing your dental hygiene routine at home. That means that you must brush twice a day and floss at least once a day! It may not be the most enjoyable activity, but it sure beats developing serious systematic diseases. Stop underestimating the power this thin string holds and start flossing today! So, the next time you visit our office for a scheduled appointment, you can tell the truth about your great flossing habits.