Floss the Teeth You Want to Keep!
This has been my go-to sentence in communicating with my patients, young and older, for almost 20 years. That little harmless piece of string is not your enemy, yet many of my patients floss irregularly. Some find it too cumbersome with statements that they are in a hurry, can’t wrap it around their fingers, or they just don’t like it.
So why is flossing so important? The simple answer is that flossing goes where the toothbrush can’t reach.
Flossing reduces the amount of plaque in between the teeth and around the gums. According to the American Dental Association, there are more than 500 bacterial species in plaque. In conjunction with water, food debris as well as other oral components the plaque buildup around the teeth can increase the progression of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is a severe form of gum disease that is the leading cause of tooth loss in Adults. Although, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that there is no significant evidence that flossing can prevent periodontitis, we do know that periodontitis is a bacterial infection that destroys attachment fibers and bone supporting the teeth leading to tooth mobility and in untreated instances tooth loss.
The avoidance of flossing leads to a snowball of effects. First it starts with the accumulation of plaque which is a mostly sticky invisible film that forms on the teeth throughout the day. Daily brushing helps with the removal of plaque on the front and back surfaces of the teeth but does not remove the plaque that is stuck in between the teeth. The plaque then turns into tarter which is harder to remove and irritates the gumline. The longer the plaque and tarter remain untreated it advances to gingivitis which then advances to periodontitis.
“Doc, can I just use toothpicks?” is often asked by my patients. Some would rather use toothpicks due to convenience and because it seems so much easier with removing anything stuck in between the teeth.
Unfortunately, a toothpick can do further damage to the gums if not used carefully and will not clean in between teeth as well as dental floss.
There is not much evidenced based research on the lack of flossing and periodontal disease. However, clinically, I can see a huge difference in my patients that floss and see me every 6 months compared to those who do not.
Next time you decide to run out the door without flossing, I implore you to take 2 minutes out of your time to floss after your morning tooth brushing routine.
Good oral hygiene practices of brushing and flossing keep your gums healthy and your dentist and hygienist happy.
Tamma Gray, DDS