WHY FLOSSING YOUR TEETH IS AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR DENTIST TELLS YOU... By Craig Barney

www.kennewickdental.netDR. CRAIG BARNEY

GUM HEALTH AND GINGIVITIS

Flossing at least once a day and brushing will clean your teeth more effectively than just brushing alone. Because failing to floss will lead to a build-up of tartar and plaque, it can eventually also lead to gingivitis.

When gingivitis is left unchecked, infection can spread even further below the gums. This causes periodontitis, which causes severe inflammation and tooth and bone loss.

www.kennewickdental.netDR. CRAIG BARNEY

SAVE YOURSELF MONEY

That’s right, flossing saves you money. That’s because it’s a kind of preventative medicine.

As already mentioned, it can help prevent gum disease, which can be costly to remedy. But it also helps prevent cavities.

www.kennewickdental.netDR. CRAIG BARNEY

HALITOSIS

Halitosis, which is the medical name for bad breath, can be caused by a variety of things, but usually bacteria below the gum line and on the back of the tongue is responsible.

Whenever you don’t floss, you’re creating a great place for bacteria to continue to grow. Bad breath can really hold back your social life, and in some people even cause social anxiety or depression.

www.kennewickdental.netDR. CRAIG BARNEY

REDUCING THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE

People who suffer from heart disease should be vigilant about flossing, because the mouth can be an entry point for bacteria that can reach and infect the cardiac tissue.

The bacteria streptococcus can enter the body through the oral cavity, and can cause infective endocarditis, a disease characterized by inflammation of the heart.

www.kennewickdental.netDR. CRAIG BARNEY

PREVENTING DIABETES COMPLICATIONS

According to studies done by the Mayo Clinic, people with Type 2 diabetes are three times more likely to develop gingivitis than people who don’t have diabetes.

This is likely due to having higher blood sugar, which provides more food for any bacteria inside your mouth. This puts you at a higher risk, not only for gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, but also for getting cavities.

www.kennewickdental.netDR. CRAIG BARNEY