Cleaning between your teeth is an important step of your dental hygiene routine. Brushing alone does not rid the teeth and gums of bacteria. You can clean these areas between your teeth by flossing- either with dental floss, floss picks, or a water pik.
Flossing prevents tooth decay, tooth loss due to bone loss, heart disease, bad breath, premature labor, pain, bleeding and swelling of the gingiva.
Flossing removes the sticky plaque from in-between surfaces of the tooth and root surfaces below the gingiva. This action prevents certain bacteria in the plaque from mixing with the sugars, producing harmful acids that cause decay. It also prevents other bacteria from living under the gumline. Bacteria changes when denied oxygen. This bacteria becomes an aerobic and release toxins into the tissue. These toxins cause inflammation, pain, and bleeding.
Lack of flossing can ultimately cause perio infection. Periodontitis is a destructive inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth and is caused by specific bacteria present in the mouth. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect your organ systems- cardiovascular, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory. Perio disease can also affect a pregnant mother, which can cause low birth weight and premature labor.
In our office, we check for periodontal disease by perio-charting. If you have questions about your results or flossing, ask your dental hygienist at your next visit!
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