How Can Daily Flossing Be a Lifesaver?

Doc Holliday in the movie Tombstone, or Q in the James Bond films. Sometimes a sidekick should perhaps be on more equal footing with the main character for their contributions.

In dentistry, flossing is usually considered a sidekick to brushing, but it’s a pretty darn big deal in its own right. In fact, regular flossing can even be a lifesaving act. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Houston why daily flossing matters so much for your oral health and your future, in general.

Where Would Oral Health Be without Flossing?

You can brush your teeth ’til the cows come home – if you aren’t flossing as part of your oral hygiene routine, you’re just asking for trouble. First of all, food particles will accumulate between your teeth, which causes a sticky buildup of germs and bacteria.

When this film isn’t removed by regular flossing, you can develop bad breath and tooth decay. Also, the bacteria accumulate along and beneath the gumline to eventually cause periodontal (gum) disease. And this is only the beginning.

Speaking of the beginning – don’t wait until the cows come home to stop brushing. Only brush your teeth for two minutes per session.

What Can Periodontal Disease Do to My Body?

Each time you go for a dental checkup, your dentist looks for preliminary stages of gum disease. This is important to identify early on since it is directly linked to numerous conditions that can occur throughout your body that can be serious or even life-threatening. Here are some consequences to consider:

• Heart Disease: Research has shown a direct connection between gum disease and heart disease. This includes many serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
• Diabetes: When a person has gum disease and diabetes, it makes each condition more severe. Advanced periodontal disease can raise blood sugar, which makes diabetes more difficult to control. Elevated blood sugar weakens the immune system and makes it tough to fight off oral infections.
• Respiratory Disease: Oral bacteria can move to your lungs and cause you to contract infections like pneumonia.
• Pregnancy Complications: Any infection is a potential threat to a pregnant woman and her child. If bacteria in the gums reach the bloodstream, this is a potential trigger for premature labor and low birthweight.
• Cancer: Periodontal disease has been linked to cancer located in the kidneys, pancreas, and blood.

The next time you are getting ready to brush your teeth, remember what’s at stake and make some time for flossing, too. You’ll have fewer cavities and fresher breath, plus you’ll live longer and feel better along the way!

About the Author

Dr. Darrick Castleberry was an Amphibious Special Operation’s dentist with the United States Marines aboard the USS Peleliu, where he maintained the dental health of over 3,200 Marines and sailors. He earned the nickname “Painless” from his fellow Marines because he erased all their dental fears. He has now transferred this painless approach to dentistry to his private practice in Houston. Dr. Castleberry is a continuing scholar at the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dental Studies. He will be glad to discuss the virtues of daily flossing with you at your next dental cleaning and exam. You can schedule an appointment on his website or call (281) 320-9600.