{"id":789,"date":"2019-07-23T19:26:20","date_gmt":"2019-07-23T19:26:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drgsmiles.com\/blog\/?p=789"},"modified":"2019-07-23T19:26:20","modified_gmt":"2019-07-23T19:26:20","slug":"important-flossing-dentist-in-medford","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drgsmiles.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/23\/important-flossing-dentist-in-medford\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Dentist in Medford Says Flossing Is Important"},"content":{"rendered":"\"person\n\nHow often do you floss? If you\u2019re in the 32 percent of Americans who say they never floss, you could be in trouble, and not just with your dentist in Medford. Flossing is important because it prevents serious health problems from developing down the road. Let\u2019s look at how critical flossing really is, and what exactly can happen if you avoid flossing<\/a>.\n\n\n

Is Flossing Really That Important?<\/h2>\nA few years ago, the Associated Press published a study that claimed that flossing provides no benefits. However, your dentist will tell you that is simply untrue. Flossing can help reduce gingivitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the gums. This is caused by a bacterial infection, and the main way to prevent it is by flossing to remove the bacteria from between the teeth and stopping it before it builds up.\n

What Happens in Your Mouth If You Don\u2019t Floss?<\/h2>\nThere are two main oral issues you are at risk for if you don\u2019t floss: cavities between the teeth, and gingivitis. By removing bacteria from between the teeth, you can stop them before they create painful cavities. You can also prevent them from accumulating and causing gingivitis. When left untreated, gingivitis can turn into gum disease, a health issue that can have serious repercussions in the rest of your body.\n

How Does Not Flossing Affect the Rest of Your Body?<\/h2>\nWhen gum disease progresses, it creates pockets in between your teeth and gums. The increased number of bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream through these pockets and travel to different parts of your body, such as your heart, your lungs, or even your brain. Gum disease has been linked to several different health conditions, including:\n