Flossing your teeth once a day is an important aspect to protecting your oral and overall heath. Unfortunately, too many people underestimate the benefits of flossing, which is why only four out of ten adults take the time to floss their teeth daily. However, by skipping out on flossing and only relying on brushing your teeth, you are placing your health at risk. Lack of flossing leads to gum disease. Gum disease is directly linked to causing serious health complications, such as heart disease. As your dentist in Los Angeles, Dr. Latner does not want you to place your oral or overall health at risk due to not flossing daily.
Protecting Your Health with Daily Flossing
You take the time to brush your teeth twice a day because you understand the important role brushing plays in oral health and hygiene. Just as brushing is important, flossing is equally as important. No matter how well you brush your teeth or how often, you are not able to fully remove plaque and tarter accumulations from between the teeth or around the gum line. It is just not possible. The only way to remove plaque and tarter from the gum line and between the teeth is with dental floss.
If you do not remove plaque and tarter from the teeth and gums daily, you allow bacteria to accumulate in the mouth. As bacteria continues to multiple in the plaque and tarter accumulation, you will eventually develop an infection in the gums, known as gum disease. While you can easily treat gum disease in the early stage, known as gingivitis, many do not notice the signs of the infection. As a result, the infection goes untreated and progresses to the later stages of gum disease.
As the infection becomes more intense, you will begin to see significant complications with your oral health, which may even include tooth loss. However, the complications of the infection extend far beyond just your teeth and gums. The bacteria found in gum disease can enter the bloodstream. As the bacteria circulates throughout your body and enters the heart, it causes the arteries to become inflamed, which causes them to harden. This makes the heart have to work harder to pump blood, placing it under extra strain. This causes cardiovascular disease to develop, increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Your heart is not the only area to suffer the consequences of the infection. Research shows the bacteria from gum disease is also linked to causing respiratory infections, Alzheimer’s Disease, and diabetic complications. In addition, it may also cause pregnant women to have more difficult pregnancies, pre-term delivery, and low birth weights.
Your Dentist for Complete Health
Despite the recent claims by an Associated Press article, flossing remains a vital step to protecting your oral and overall health from serious complications. Dr. Latner has seen first-hand the negative results from lack of flossing. Do not place your health at risk. Make flossing a top priority when caring for your teeth and gums.