Can Not Flossing Lead to a Heart Attack?

Let’s break down the benefits of flossing, what happens if you don’t floss, the proper way to floss and some tips and tricks for remembering to add the important step to your nighttime routine.

1.      What are the benefits of flossing?

The main benefit of flossing is the removal of plaque buildup between your teeth and in the gingival sulcus. The plaque causes inflammation of the gingival and can lead to periodontal disease in addition to caries between the teeth. This is one of the most common areas of decay.

2.      What happens when we don’t floss?

When we don’t floss the plaque between the teeth and in the gingival sulcus continues to grow and release acidic byproducts that cause caries and gingivitis

3.      What is the biggest mistake you see when it comes to flossing?

The biggest mistake most people make is not flossing enough. But when they do floss they need to make sure they wrap the floss around the tooth, and drag the floss deep into the gingival sulcus. When patients see blood from flossing they tend to not take the floss deep enough in the sulcus to get all of the plaque removed or they stop flossing as much.  When what they should be doing is actually flossing more often. Another mistake I see patients make is skipping around the mouth when they floss. It’s best to go from one side to the other to avoid missing areas.  

4.      When should we floss?

Ideally, the best time to floss is before bed. It’s always best to go to bed with the cleanest teeth possible. When you sleep your saliva glands aren’t as active leaving your mouth drier. The drier your mouth the higher the bacterial levels. The higher bacterial levels result in more acid produced.  You can floss before or after you brush. It doesn’t matter. It should be once a day and if you can’t floss at night, my motto is floss when you can. Some people floss on their commute to work. A good time to floss is whenever you have time to floss. 

5.      Can gum disease lead to heart disease?

There aren’t any studies that show a direct causal relationship, but there is a strong link between chronic inflammation and heart disease. And there are studies showing  that many of the patients with heart disease have experienced gingivitis and/or periodontal disease.  Also, some scientists theorize that as bacterial levels increase, as with gum disease, the bacteria could be entering the bloodstream, adhering to the walls of blood vessels and causing plaque formation and eventually clots.

6.     What are some easy ways we can remember to add flossing to our nighttime routine? (Easy tips and tricks)

           

The key to starting a habit is making it as easy as possible to do. I would recommend having the floss that you like at the ready. Set it next to your toothbrush. Most people brush their teeth before bed. Try flossing before you brush. Make an effort/habit of flossing before you brush, almost as a prerequisite before you’re allowed to brush. Some other things you can do is set a nightly reminder on your phone, or place a simple sticky note on your bathroom mirror reminding you to floss. Usually, after you do something repetitively for 3-4 weeks you can establish a habit, good or bad.  

7.     Do you recommend regular floss, dental picks or pre-threaded flossers? Is there anything we should know about the different kinds of dental floss (waxed, unwaxed, thick or comfort floss?) 

           

The best floss is the floss that you like to use. There are basically two types of floss, waxed and non-waxed. Studies show that there is no difference in the ability to remove plaque and prevent decay and gingivitis.

8.     Can mouthwashes and rinses take the place of daily flossing? 

           

No, plaque can only be removed by physically removing it off of the teeth. Plaque is very sticky and cannot be removed by a liquid. Even using a WaterPik cannot remove all of the plaque unless turned up to a level that may cause damage to the gingiva. Some mouthrinses can kill the surface bacteria, but not the bacteria that make up the bulk of the plaque.