Is Flossing A Waste Of Time?

Patients often ask the question “Why is it important to floss on a regular basis?”  The truth is next to vigorously brushing, flossing is the next best thing to ensure excellent oral health says Marietta dentist.  Millions of microscopic bacteria use your mouth as a home to multiply.  Flossing and brushing highly reduce their number.  When left alone, the mouth is an excellent environment for them to multiply and wreak havoc.  The bacteria produce plaque, tartar, and gum disease if not kept under control.   Brushing and flossing are the tools to keep the mouth clean with less bacteria, as it feeds on food left on or in between your teeth.  If undisturbed, it produces an acid that can cause cavities by eroding teeth.

Bad breath can also be a very unattractive result of not properly flossing.  Flossing removes bacteria between teeth in the tiny spaces that a toothbrush cannot reach. The American Dental Society and Verde Pointe Dental Associates recommend that you floss at least once a day!

Now let’s discuss what happens if you choose not to floss on a regular basis…

When a person chooses not to floss, a buildup of bacteria and plaque between teeth occurs.  If left alone, the plaque will eventually harden into tartar that only your dentist can fully remove.  As time goes on, tartar can contain higher levels of more dangerous bacteria.  The bacteria will produce toxins that can irritate and inflame gum tissue. You will notice bleeding while you floss and brush.  This condition is known as gingivitis.  Gingivitis means plaque deposits are not cleaned away and a build-up causes gum and tooth issues.  Your gums can also become very swollen and tender.  Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease; a condition where not only are your gums infected by the bacteria but so is the bone and structures supporting your teeth.  The worst cases can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and teeth that fall out.  Plaque can be removed by normal brushing, however using a Sonicare electronic toothbrush removes the plaque even better.  It is important to floss on a regular basis, because the health of your gums is just as important as the health of your teeth.

If you haven’t flossed in a while it’s time to start now...

If you happen to see a little tint of blood on the floss, this just indicates that your gums are slightly inflamed and in need of better flossing to remove unwanted bacteria.  Once, a better and correct regimen of flossing and brushing occur; the tint eventually will go away.  This means that you are on your way to better oral hygiene.   Just remember to floss first then brush. Good oral hygiene helps eliminate bacteria that can lead to problems such as bad breath, cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.  If you have been flossing on a regular basis, GOOD JOB!  Please make sure to continue.  Otherwise, if you start today, you will get on track to better oral hygiene and a beautiful smile.  A bright smile ensures great confidence, says cosmetic dentist, Marietta.

Slow The Aging Process Says Marietta Dentist

A healthy smile can slow the aging process if you take care of your gum tissue says Marietta dentist.  Taking care of your mouth is not only important to the overall health, but also to how the world perceives you. When a smile looks good and is healthy, you look good and your body is healthier.  Bacteria floating in the blood stream from unhealthy gum tissue destroys the health of your mouth and wreaks havoc throughout your body. Evidence supports it heightens an inflammatory response of the body and speeds up aging.  If you want a healthier body and a higher confidence level, make sure your smile is in good condition.

Seeing the dentist regularly could save your life, as your dentist may identify other health issues you may be developing during oral examinations.   An unkept mouth can be an indication other issues are being ignored as well.  Your dentist can monitor your mouth and alert you early of certain problems.  A healthy mouth can mirror a healthy body, so keeping your mouth healthy can help prevent certain diseases from developing.  Gum disease can lead to strokes, heart disease, increased tumor formation and cause problems with major organs such as the kidneys and heart.

Teeth that are not straight are more difficult to clean and can lead to periodontal gum disease because they are not aligned properly.  They more readily trap gum disease plaque that contain bacteria.  Some people spend an extreme amount of money on fashion, plastic surgery, Botox and other items to make themselves look more attractive while putting their mouth low on the list.  Although these are ok, they are never ok behind the health of your mouth.  People can have a beautiful front smile, and still have gum issues in the back teeth.  If not treated, it can spread to the front.

It's important to take care of your teeth, as they can last a lifetime.  If your mouth needs the care of a dentist, put it at the top of your priority list. Do not be discouraged or embarrassed, as everyone starts somewhere.  If extensive work is necessary and finances are your concern, many dentists participate with financing companies making treatment possible.  A three-year dental plan to get your mouth in good condition is better than ignoring the issue totally.  Everyone knows someone with extensive work.

Your smile is an important focal point that others use to judge you.  It is a big part of interaction and a first impressions.  A healthy smiles allows you to have better communication, better confidence and a healthier life. It is an indication of happiness and general well-being. Dedication and commitment are a necessary. Home brushing, flossing, regular dental hygiene visits, a healthy diet and proper nutrition are each important pieces to your health. Gum disease can be exacerbated by the deficiency of vitamin A.  A lack of vitamin B Complex can produce lesions in the mouth, an entry point for bacteria to enter the blood stream.  Other vitamins strengthen the overall health of the mouth, so a well-balanced diet is crucial says dentist in Marietta.

Looking and feeling good requires knowledge and  dedication says a Marietta dentist.  Take care of your smile, so you look and feel better.

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Kirk Kimmerling DDS is a cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) at Verde Pointe Dental Associates. Dr. Kimmerling is extremely passionate about helping every patient reach their optimum dental health. Having practiced as a dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) for over 26 years, Dr. Kimmerling strives to provide the very best treatment in a secure, relaxing environment.  He and the courteous staff at his state-of-the-art office are dedicated to helping patients achieve beautiful smiles and maintaining a lifetime of excellent dental health.  While Kirk Kimmerling DDS  specializes in cosmetic dentistry, he runs a full-service practice that provides everything from routine teeth cleanings and teeth whitening to dental veneers, implants, root canals, tooth colored fillings, periodontal, toothaches, extractions and more.

For the top cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA), please call Kirk Kimmerling DDS at Verde Pointe Dental Associates, or visit the website for more information. www.drkirkkimmerling.com