Can Your Dentist Tell When You Are Not Flossing?

Most of us worry before we sit in the dental chair and we know the questions that are coming…”Have you been flossing and brushing regularly?” So what do we do, we frantically brush, floss, and use a mouth rinse right before our appointment. And when we finally sit down in the chair and we get asked that dreaded question we always answer “yes, I brush and floss all the time”. You hope they believe you but deep down you know they know you are not being entirely truthful. How can they tell? What are the Signs?

Signs You Are Not Brushing and Flossing Regularly

Brushing and flossing is such an important part of maintaining not only our dental health but studies have proven our general health as well. Signs that you are not brushing and flossing properly include:

–Increased Tooth Decay. There are other factors, like diet, that cause tooth decay but not brushing and flossing will definitely lead increased incidence of tooth decay over time, especially tooth decay between teeth. If you have any tooth cavities or the beginning stages of cavities, it indicates that flossing is a weak point in your home dental hygiene regimen.

–Inflammation. This might be one of the most obvious tell tale signs that you are not brushing and flossing regularly. Plaque, bacteria, and food debris will sit in between the teeth when we do not brush and floss properly. This causes the body to start the inflammatory process to remove the irritant. As a result your gums will begin to appear pink, puffy, and bleed very easily.

–Cuts or Abrasions on Gums. This is an indicator you are not flossing regularly or just not flossing properly. You need to be careful when flossing around teeth and do not force the floss.

Conclusion

The bottom line is you need to take the time to practice good dental hygiene to ensure a lifetime of smiles. Once it becomes a habit it will become second nature and be a seemless part of your daily routine.

The moral of the story is simple, make flossing a part of your daily regimen! The benefits to your dental health are tremendous.