08/22/2016
Despite what you hear in the media, flossing is still a very important part of your oral hygiene process. Cavities are more likely to form between your teeth if you do not floss and your gums will be un-healthy. Why? Food accumulation leads to bacteria growth. Bacteria make acid as a by-product of using the sugars in food. This causes a slow demineralization (breakdown) of the teeth which will cause cavities over time if the food and bacteria are not removed.
Bacteria build-up over a long time period leads to the body's natural defences (white blood cells) to attack the bacteria. This leads to increase blood flow to the gums and accumulation of white blood cells. The gums become swollen, sore and bleed as a result and a battle between the bacteria and your body occurs. As with any battlefield, the longer this goes on the more collateral damage occurs. In this case damage to the gums tissue in the form of deep tissue pockets and recession. Depending on the type of bacteria present in your mouth and other risk factors (e.g. smoking, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, compromised immune systems, osteoporosis), you more prone to bone loss (periodontitis).
So brush a minimum of two times and day and try to floss at least once a day. Otherwise you'll be seeing us more often :).
