Patients often neglect to floss, and they don’t realize that the effects it has on their overall oral hygiene are profound when they do it. The fact is, though, flossing decreases the chances of developing gum disease drastically, and it also serves an important function in the prevention of tooth decay. On top of that, it has some tangible aesthetic benefits that most patients start to notice within a week or two of regular flossing. Dr. J. Christopher Smith wants every patient who chooses Smith Family Dentistry when they need a dentist in Charleston to be aware of what happens when they decide not to floss.

The Major Changes in Your Mouth

There are seven things that happen when you stop flossing, and you’ll notice them as soon as they start.

• ‍Bleeding gums start when the gums get irritated from food particles and the bacteria they feed on, and they’re an early sign of gingivitis.‍
• Tartar buildup happens from a combination of the long-term accumulation of food and bacteria, as well as the additional contamination from the presence of blood on a regular basis.‍
• Halitosis often begins to be noticeable shortly after tartar buildup.‍
• Yellow teeth develop quickly at or around the time the halitosis begins to be noticeable to others.‍
• Cavities typically start to develop shortly after cosmetic and quality of life changes, and they continue to get worse while patients continue to neglect to floss. For some, it’s a fast process, for others a slow decline over the decades.‍
• Premature tooth loss is the eventual result of cavities that keep getting more common over time.‍
• Problems during pregnancy are also known to develop from the infections that happen when bacteria build up in the mouth. If you have bleeding gums, there’s a chance they could migrate and threaten a fetus.

Reverse the Damage Today

Contact our office to make an appointment with the dentist and resolve to start rebuilding your flossing habit today. We are here as your Charleston dentist to support you and help you develop the skills you need to be successful