What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about keeping your teeth clean? If you thought about brushing or flossing your pearly whites, you’re not alone. However, would you be surprised to hear that not flossing could actually have a negative impact on the health of your teeth and on your overall health?
Similarly, would it surprise you to learn that it’s important to remove plaque from your teeth and gums? If plaque is not removed, it will harden into tartar after 24 hours. Unfortunately, tartar must be removed by a dental professional. Conversely, you should make it a priority to clean below your gums with floss rather than with your toothbrush. You see, the consequences of not removing plaque from your gum line may be gum disease—which might damage your jaw bone, gums, and the tissue that continually holds your teeth in the right place.
To make matters worse, if your gums are not thoroughly cleaned, you could have to deal with inflammation. If you have severe gum disease, your gums could start pulling away from your teeth. Sadly, this means bacteria and germs that are causing the inflammation in your gums can also affect your entire body. If these germs get into your bloodstream, you are more vulnerable to heart disease, respiratory issues, and even dementia.
If you would like to learn more about the care you can receive from our team or have some questions about flossing in Calgary, Alberta, please contact Dowsett Dental Health at 403.229.0510. Our dentist, Dr. Nathalie Dowsett, and the rest of our team will gladly address any concerns you may have. We’re excited to meet with you.