What if it’s too late?
What if you already have a mouth full of problems? Does flossing lose its value?
I am afraid the answer is “yes,” but only temporarily…if you make the right moves.
Flossing aids in preventing disease, but it is completely inadequate when it comes to treating it.
You see, there comes a point where infections in the gum or tooth travel beyond the reach of floss and brush. To explain this I need to tell you two things that happen when plaque is left undisturbed too long.
Over time, plaque, begins to thicken, growing layer upon layer. A thickened plaque, especially one fed on sugars, turns acidic and begins to dissolve the high mineral content of the tooth. If this is allowed to go too long, bacteria end up within these holes in teeth and are now out of reach from every oral hygiene practice possible. To make matters worse, once the bacteria break through the enamel (an impressive feat, since this is the hardest substance in your body) they come in contact with the underlying dentin. Dentin comprises most of what a tooth is. It is softer than enamel and harder than bone, but to bacteria dentin is simply food. At this point you can give up all sugar in your diet and it will not appreciably matter to any infected tooth. Decay will continue to grow until the tooth is destroyed.
Again, as with the problem of tooth decay, professional help is now necessary to arrest disease and hopefully reverse conditions.
Dentists and dental hygienists are trained and have the equipment to remove this calculus without causing your teeth and gums further damage. If you attempt to treat this problem yourself by brushing and flossing with more intensity you will most likely just add to the damage.
Now for some good news. Let’s say you have now gotten the care necessary to eliminate this calculus. It is at this point that gentle daily flossing once again becomes the most important activity you can engage in daily to maintain oral health.
Dentists and dental hygienists are trained and have the equipment to remove this calculus without causing your teeth and gums further damage. If you attempt to treat this problem yourself by brushing and flossing with more intensity you will most likely just add to the damage.
Now for some good news. Let’s say you have now gotten the care necessary to eliminate this calculus. It is at this point that gentle daily flossing once again becomes the most important activity you can engage in daily to maintain oral health.
