Even if you don’t say it, a dentist can tell if you haven’t been flossing. Neglecting to floss can lead to oral health problems that would require intervention from your dentist. So, the simple act of being too lazy to floss can hurt you physically and financially.
Flossing is necessary because it removes the bits of food that get stuck between the teeth. If you allow them to remain there, bacteria develops and the signs of not flossing develop. The most obvious sign, one which you can see for yourself, is gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition where the gums are inflamed. This happens because a layer of plaque (from bacteria) has built up on the teeth. Left unchecked, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Gingivitis is non-destructive, but periodontitis results in gum shrinkage and loose teeth. Definitely not something we want to happen to our teeth.
Some crafty guys (and gals) attempt to show their Surrey dentists that they floss regularly by flossing daily a week before their dental appointment. Sure, it will appear that way. However, as soon as the dentist uses his pick to probe your teeth and gums, another telltale sign will occur – bleeding.
Given that not flossing can lead to your gums bleeding and teeth falling out, an interesting question to address is why you aren’t flossing. Many adults look in the mirror, see their pink gums and pearly whites, and say to themselves, why bother? Especially if they’re young, have no medical conditions, and subscribe to a healthy diet. What these people may not know is that even your teeth and gums look good, not flossing is bad oral hygiene that is being masked by their feeling of health.
Even if half the population doesn’t floss, you owe it to yourself to perform this ritual on a regular basis. You need to set a foundation for good oral hygiene and it’s best to start early. Teeth do not regrow and losing them, or even developing cavities, leads to pain and expense. Of course, it’s never too late to start flossing. However, if you decide to begin flossing regularly when you’re already in your 40s (or later), then the damage that has been done by neglecting to floss early on will already be there.