OK, let's be real. I'm a dentist and all my years of education as well as my clinical experiences strongly support the conclusion that "not flossing is not an option". People who don't floss or do so only on an irregular basis will notice two things:
1) it hurts when they floss and 2) it bleeds when they floss.
Gums bleed only during flossing when they simply haven't been flossed enough. The tenderness in unflossed gingival tissue is telling them (you?) of the infective and inflammatory processes that are in motion.
Infection - by dental plaque (bacterial colonies and their nasty by-products like enamel dissolving acids) Plaque starts to reform just moments after it's been removed but it requires 14-24 hours to get truly destructive. This is why twice a day bushing and flossing is so highly recommended by dental health care professionals. (Yes, there is a method behind the madness!)
Inflammation - the body's immune system response to the infection. As your body tries to defend itself against this bacterial invasion immune system components release toxic substances that also cause significant tissue damage, contributing to actual bone loss (periodontal disease).
The first stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).There is no bone loss at this stage of the disease. It is estimated that AT LEAST 75% of the adult population has this problem that is easily treatable with appropriate daily home care (Yes, it's up to you!). Early periodontal disease shows minor bone loss. This is very common in women over age 35, years of monthly hormonal fluctuations causes increased bone remodeling. Fortunately, women tend to be good about obtaining preventive health care and if treated at this stage, periodontal disease is controllable. Moderate gum disease is characterized by increasing bone loss and obvious gingival recession. Teeth are likely to become loose at this stage. Treatment must be quite assertive to save the teeth, involving deep cleaning, surgical therapies, chemical modalities (rinses and/or antibiotic intervention may be necessary). Unless controlled at this stage, the disease will progress and advanced periodontal disease is the route to dentures. These may look beautiful but will NOT replace in function what your natural teeth gave you (plus, you must take them out each night... not the prettiest sight)
We have an old adage in dentistry that continues to hold true - FLOSS ONLY THE TEETH YOU WANT TO KEEP!
Dr. Theresa Albin-Davis has a family oriented
practice devoted to preventing dental disease and maintaining
your family's oral health through education and gentle,
comprehensive, quality dental care. In addition to teaching part-time
at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry, she contributes
a significant amount of time to the Headstart Program.
You can schedule
an appointment by calling 720-851-1676
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