Does Flossing Help Gingivitis?
Gingivitis, or gum disease, is not something anyone wants to go through, especially when there are things that can be done at home to prevent it. This blog will explore what gingivitis is and how it can be mitigated through a simple at-home practice: flossing! If you have any questions regarding gingivitis, Sandcreek Dental is here to help.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a stage of gum disease. It occurs when there is excess buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth. This buildup causes the gums around the base of the teeth to become inflamed. Symptoms include gums that are:
- Red
- Swollen
- Bleeding
- Receding
It is also common to experience bad breath and toothaches when dealing with gingivitis.
The primary cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Depending on the severity of it, putting measures in place at home, such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly, can help reduce this mild gum disease. Other causes can be related to viral or fungal infections, hormonal changes, or genetics. The presence of gum disease is usually easily curable if not too severe. If it is left untreated for too long, it can run down into the bones under the gums and cause tooth loss.
How Flossing Can Help
As previously mentioned, gingivitis is usually caused by not taking care of your oral health. Brushing alone isn’t always enough. Flossing catches what brushing couldn’t clean all the way.
1. Gets Rid of Plaque Between Teeth
Brushing your teeth gets rid of the plaque and bacteria on the surface of your teeth. However, it does not fully reach the plaque in between each tooth. Flossing allows you to remove plaque in between the teeth from eating and drinking throughout the day. It also allows you to remove this plaque before it turns into tartar, which is a lot harder to remove. Flossing every day will eliminate potential future complications.
2. Makes Gums Stronger
The less you floss, the more swollen and tender your gums get when you do decide to floss. This can make them more susceptible to further gum disease, especially when they are being exposed to plaque while they are already inflamed.
Implementing a Flossing Routine
Flossing must be a consistent part of your oral hygiene routine for you to reap the benefits from it. We know that it can be time-consuming and maybe you don’t feel like doing it before bed, but an extra 5 minutes before bed will help you tremendously in the long run. Maintaining a consistent routine, with brushing and flossing twice a day, can be a huge help in preventing and treating gingivitis.
Come See Us at Sandcreek Dental
If you are concerned that you may be dealing with gingivitis, do not hesitate to come in and see us. We will take a look, provide you with the treatment you need, and give you insight into what you can do at home to improve it. Taking action earlier rather than later can save you a lot of time, money, and further complications down the road. When in doubt, keep flossing!
