Flossing probably isn’t your favorite activity and many people tend to skip over it from time to time, but it is essential for a healthy smile and a healthy body. If you neglect flossing during your oral hygiene routine, you could experience all sorts of dangerous complications for both your gums and your general health. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist in Severna Park about how flossing could prevent an untimely death.
What Happens to Your Smile When You Neglect Flossing?
Even though brushing is effective at removing plaque and food debris from the teeth, it cannot reach certain areas, like between the teeth and below the gumline. You need something more. When you floss, the string dislodges trapped leftover food from between the teeth and removes plaque along and beneath the gumline. If you stopped flossing, this plaque would accumulate and turn to tartar. This doesn’t only mean unpleasant breath, but you will also likely experience increased tooth decay and periodontal disease, an infection of the gums caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. In this case, you may require periodontal therapy in Severna Park to prevent further progression and restore your gums back to health.
How Does Periodontal Disease Affect Your Overall Health?
Your dentist is adamant about checking for signs of gingivitis during your regular checkups. This is because gum disease is often linked to all sorts of other conditions throughout your body – some of them being life-threatening:
- Respiratory Disease: If the bacteria from the infection in your mouth spreads to your lungs, it can cause you to experience different infections like pneumonia.
- Diabetes: Periodontal disease and diabetes are a combination for disaster. And often times, they’re related. This is because an infection in the mouth, like gum disease, can cause blood sugar levels to rise. However, high blood sugar weakens the immune system and makes it even more difficult for your body to fight off infections. Ultimately, it can make both conditions worse.
- Heart Disease: Research has made a direct connection between heart and gum disease. This includes life-threatening conditions like strokes and heart attacks.
- Pregnancy Complications: If the bacteria from your mouth makes its way to the blood stream, it can attack the fetus. This could lead to a preterm labor and low birthweight.
- Cancer: Periodontal disease has been linked to cancers all throughout the body including the kidneys, pancreas, and certain blood cancers.
If you aren’t already a diligent flosser, it is about time you become one. Refraining from flossing doesn’t only put your smile in jeopardy, it puts the overall health of your whole body on the line.
About the Author
Dr. Melody Ward is a highly skilled periodontist serving patients in Millersville, MD. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery and completed her residency in periodontics at the University of Maryland Baltimore. In 2014, she became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Ward provides periodontal therapy as a treatment. For more information on maintaining a healthy smile or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (410) 729-9090.