Flossing your teeth is kind of like eating less sugar, getting up at the right time, and stretching your back regularly: the professionals all tell us it’s important, but it’s hard to always listen! What can help is perhaps gaining a better understanding of why flossing is so important.
What can make matters worse, we know that our common excuses, like not having enough time, are nothing more than common excuses. In truth, the reason we don’t floss as we should is that we don’t understand why it’s important.
The purpose of flossing is to keep bacteria away from your gum line. On a more negative note, failing to floss allows bacteria to accumulate in your gum line and cause serious gum disease.
Gum Disease
While we could get into specifics like gingivitis, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis, the term “gum disease” is rather general. Basically, it applies to any sort of disease that involves bacteria accumulating and causing the following symptoms to your gums:
Swelling
Pain
Bleeding
Redness
If left untreated, these diseases progress to later, more harmful stages:
These symptoms and problems you can run into are not fun. If left unchecked, they can cause pain upon eating, talking, or even just sitting still. Additionally, they eventually look very unattractive, and they lead to expensive dental treatments.
The Cost of NOT Flossing
While gum disease is ugly and painful, we haven’t even talked about financial costs. Treating gingivitis can cost upwards to about $2,000, periodontitis costs around $4,000, and if bone restoration is required, it can cost over $400 per tooth.
Alternatively, you can buy dental floss for about $3.
The Treatment For Not Flossing
If you acquire a gum disease due to not flossing, your dentist starts with a technique called scaling, which involves scraping away at the base of your teeth to remove harmful bacteria. Later, if unsuccessful, the dentist applies a technique called root planing that involves surgically cutting into the gums around your teeth to clean and restore the roots of your teeth that have been impacted by bacteria.
The good news is that if you have neglected to floss your teeth and now have gum disease, our experts at the Dental Partners of Boston are specially trained in scaling and root planing. They can keep you comfortable and confident while they help you get onto the road to health.
Related Posts
Understanding and Treating Bleeding Gums
May 2, 2023
At Dental Partners of Boston, we prioritize not only the aesthetics of your smile but also the overall health of your gums. If you’ve noticed your gums bleeding, it’s important not to ignore this symptom. Bleeding gums can be an early sign of gum disease, a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to serious […]
LANAP: Advanced Periodontal Treatment for Restoring Gum Health
April 28, 2023
When it comes to treating periodontal disease, Dental Partners of Boston is proud to offer LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure). LANAP is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment that effectively targets and treats gum disease, helping patients regain optimal oral health. In this blog post, we will explore LANAP and discuss who is an ideal candidate […]
Preventive dentistry plays a vital role in preserving your smile and avoiding dental issues. At Dental Partners of Boston, we prioritize proactive care to ensure long-term oral health. In this blog post, we will highlight the dental problems that preventive dentistry addresses and the essential treatments involved. Discover how investing in preventive care can safeguard […]
5 Effective Gum Disease Treatments for A Healthier Smile
March 23, 2023
As a busy person with a busy life, you may not think about your gum health very often. Unless that is, you’re experiencing tenderness, swelling, or even bleeding gums. These are all signs of gum disease, or periodontal disease, which is one of the most common dental problems worldwide. If gum disease is a concern, […]
The main goal of periodontal therapy is to prevent the destruction of tissue. By undergoing periodontal therapy, patients are able to prevent bone loss and prevent the need for tooth extraction or gum surgery later. Even though there are options to fight gum disease, the best way to keep your gums healthy and in good […]
It’s hard to believe that the year has only one month left, and soon 2022 will be over. We have so much to be glad for in our practice, our amazing patients being the most important. We have learned and grown, and we are giving thanks, indeed. Please contact us for information about the services […]
There are many benefits to maintaining good oral health, including preventing tooth decay and gum disease, reducing bad breath, and improving overall appearance. Taking care of your teeth and gums can also help to prevent other health problems, such as heart disease. A healthy mouth does lead to a healthy body! Begin with an appointment […]
It’s the holiday season. We’ve just enjoyed Halloween, our kids are still splurging on their trick-or-treating spoils, and all of us are looking forward to delicious food and desserts we only get to enjoy once every year. As we are among the best dentists in Boston, we have some thoughts about how to protect your […]
For some people, eating and drinking hot or cold substances can cause significant discomfort, which often makes it difficult to enjoy certain foods and beverages and perform daily oral care like brushing and flossing. It is also important to come to see a best dentist in Boston regularly, like all of our great dentists at […]
In this article, we explain what enamel is and give some expert tips on how to protect it. Your teeth are covered in a hard outer coating called enamel, and there’s a reason why it’s known as the hardest substance in the human body. Enamel is composed of calcium phosphate and other minerals that give […]
Germs are probably not something you think about as an issue for your oral health. However, some mouth germs are common, but some can contribute to dental health issues. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups and dental cleanings can prevent serious dental health issues. Even with those precautions, if you are concerned about potential […]
The Dangers of Periodontal Disease and How You Can Prevent It
May 31, 2022
At first glance, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, appears to affect your gums and teeth only. However, the effects of this condition go much further. Here is why periodontal disease is so dangerous for your overall health. What Periodontal Disease Does to Your Body Periodontal disease develops when your gums become inflamed from […]
Coming in regularly for exams and cleanings is important, not only to keep your teeth healthy but also to protect your overall health and well-being. If you don’t have your next appointment scheduled, or if you are thinking of skipping your 6-month mark, take a look at these important reasons to attend. 1. Look Good […]
The best way to remove plaque from your teeth is to brush them with a toothbrush and toothpaste regularly, and of course to come see us at Dental Partners of Boston, among the best dentists in Boston. However, it is not always possible or practical to rush home and brush your teeth, or to carry […]
We are encouraged to brush and floss daily and to see the best dentist for a cleaning and exam twice a year. It may seem like second nature to adopt these vital routines, but what are we actually doing when we brush, floss, and use mouthwash? What is the science behind dental hygiene? What are […]
Pregnancy causes a considerable number of changes in a woman’s body. Almost every part of the body is affected in some way. The mouth and the teeth are no exception. Oral and dental health can be made more complicated by pregnancy. How Pregnancy Affects the Mouth During pregnancy, the body’s production of hormones undergoes major […]
Happy Post Halloween! How to handle all that candy.
November 1, 2021
Once again, it’s the scariest time of the year — and your teeth have good reason to be afraid! All that Halloween candy can increase your risk of developing cavities. However, there are things you can do to limit the effects of Halloween on your dental health. Here are a few useful tips. Schedule a […]
Most people want whiter and healthier teeth to keep the smile they love looking perfect. For you to have whiter and healthier teeth, oral hygiene should be your priority. To achieve healthy and white teeth takes a lifetime of care. It is not something you do once, and you are good to go. Even teeth […]
Good oral hygiene habits are vital in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. With neglect comes gingivitis, periodontal disease, discomfort, tooth decay, and eventually the need to extract teeth. Those patients who come to us needing intensive dental care to save their teeth sometimes have a long road of treatments and care to restore their […]
Most of us are trained to look after our teeth from a young age. We know that we should brush at least twice a day and limit our intake of sugary products. In this article, we dive into some of the facts about teeth, and the reasons behind why we look after them the way […]
Oral health has an influence on many aspects of our lives. When we are in good oral health, our bodies are also healthy. At Dental Partners of Boston, where you will find dentists ranked among the best dentists in Boston, we believe that a healthy body starts with a healthy mouth. However, when we are […]
During the pandemic, dental schedules were disrupted when dental offices shut down due to COVID-19. We have been open for several months now working hard to schedule check-ups, including regular cleanings and oral exams. While much energy is spent on staying healthy and safe, we must not forget our teeth. When was the last time […]
Happy New Year! Happy new year! The year 2020 is now behind us, so what goals or resolutions are you making for the year ahead? Why not make 2021 the year where you set a goal to reach optimal dental health? One of the first things to do to start on the right track with […]
Gaps, Chipped Teeth, Dental Fractures, and How to Fix Them
December 8, 2020
With more people looking at options for cosmetic dentistry, and a new year coming up, there is no better time to improve your smile. At Dental Partners of Boston, our team understands the concerns you may have and are here to help. We want you to achieve the goals you have to improve your smile. […]
Halloween might look a little different this year for many of us. Due to COVID-19, big Halloween parties might be out of the question, and not everyone will feel safe out and about trick or treating. However, there is no getting away from the fact that Halloween means candy! So whether you are going to […]
Stages of Gum Disease The first signs of gum disease are red, swollen gums. You may see blood in the sink after you brush or on your floss string. It may seem like a passing irritation, but it’s important that you take steps to prevent the development of gum disease. These are warning signs that […]
Periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease, is something a lot of people around the world experience today. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that keep your teeth in place and develops usually as a result of poor dental hygiene. Bad habits of not brushing and/or flossing is a straight road […]
Proper dental care for your teeth and gums can prevent health problems and prevent serious and painful dental treatments. If you are seeking gum disease treatment, prevention, and control, please contact us at Dental Partners of Boston. What is Gum Disease? Bacteria naturally occurs in the mouth, but an overgrowth can lead to tooth decay, […]
Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth. It can often go undiagnosed for a long period of time if you don’t see a dentist regularly. The signs and symptoms can easily go unnoticed. Here at Dental Partners of Boston, we ensure your oral health is in check. We offer complete oral exams including […]
Gum Disease Prevention: Teaching Kids Good Oral Hygiene
May 6, 2020
As a parent, you want the best for your child in terms of their health, including their oral hygiene. But you might be unsure of how to help your child learn to care for their teeth. Don’t worry, we’ve got tips and strategies that’ll help you ensure your child develops good oral health and hygiene […]
Regular dental checkups and oral exams are essential for good overall health and well-being. Far too many people put off their dental visits for long periods of time. Here is a look at the thorough oral exams we offer at Dental Partners of Boston. Our team of highly dedicated and conscientious professionals will take great […]
The Connection Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
March 27, 2020
Gum disease – also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease – is a common dental problem that affects as many as 50% of adults. Aside from pain, sensitivity, and discomfort, gum disease may cause bad breath, bleeding, and swelling of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can also cause tooth loss. Gum disease presents […]
There are several foods that you need to avoid to make sure that healing goes smoothly after having your wisdom teeth removed. For example, chewy snacks or candy, crunchy granola, and other foods that might poke into the extraction site. Before you come in for the extraction, you should have your kitchen stocked with soft […]
Your teeth go through a lot, and so do your gums. It is important to take care of them so they stay healthy and strong throughout your life. Dental Partners of Boston has the team, technology, and experience needed to treat all stages of periodontal disease. We can help you through these times of gum […]
If you brush your teeth and notice blood in the sink or on the toothbrush, you probably assume it’s normal. You may think that your gums have been simply agitated by your brushing. This may be the case, but if bleeding gums happens frequently, your gums may not be as healthy as you think. What […]
Unfamiliar terminology can cause fear in patients ahead of their dental treatments. For this reason, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with some terms to settle your nerves regarding potential dental work. LANAP is a term that you may have encountered if you are facing gum disease treatment. So what exactly does it […]
What Is the Difference Between Plaque and Calculus?
November 19, 2019
Plaque and calculus are two terms you will almost certainly encounter when talking about oral health and general dentistry. Despite the fact that they both relate to bacteria growth on teeth, using the two terms interchangeably isn’t quite accurate. So, what is the difference between plaque and calculus? Here’s all you need to know. What […]
Dental Partners of Boston Offers Comprehensive LANAP in Boston Using up-to-date dental techniques, Dr. Guzman works with you to improve your dental health, including with the use of LANAP – Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. Right at this moment, there are millions of Americans dealing with gum disease. This may not seem shocking to our patients, […]
Living with bleeding gums isn’t pleasant. It’s something that you need to address to prevent the bleeding and possible infection from becoming severe. Bleeding gums are almost always a sign of gingivitis, which is an infection and inflammation of the gum tissue around the teeth. In gingivitis, bacteria attack the lining of the gums and […]
While most patients benefit from having individual teeth removed and replaced with dental implants and crowns, for some, that might not be enough to fully restore health and function. There are situations in which a patient isn’t just missing a single tooth and may need more involved treatment. Extensive tooth loss can result from […]
What Is Scaling and Root Planing? Scaling and root planing, also called deep cleaning, is a treatment offered at Dental Partners of Boston that doesn’t require surgery. It is often an initial non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Using specific instruments, a licensed dental hygienist cleans the surface of the tooth root. The surface is also […]
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom teeth are frustrating for many patients – they are a regular source of pain and infection. But if they are so problematic, why do we have them? It seems strange that evolution would give us teeth that are problematic and not necessary. Researchers believe that the reason modern […]
Periodontal disease can occur due to a number of factors, even in children. Generally, periodontitis begins with plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky substance that develops when bacteria mix with carbohydrates (sugary and starchy foods). Plaque eventually hardens and turns into tartar. Both plaque and tartar cause the inflammation reaction in gums that leads to […]
How Gum Disease Develops and Affects Women Gum disease usually develops due to plaque building up around your teeth and gums. With women, however, there are particular stages of your life that can particularly impact the health of your teeth and can result in the development of gum disease: Puberty Hormones begin to increase, therefore […]
Research shows that gum disease affects a larger amount of men than women. This might be a result of fewer visits to the dentist or because they are more prone to dental plaque. In any case, it’s important to notice symptoms of gum disease and to contact us for a consultation. Gum disease is a […]
Gum disease results when the tissue on the surface of the gum becomes inflamed by bacteria.
Things to Consider Before A Gum Graft
December 28, 2018
If your gums are receding, a gum graft may be something that you are considering. Gum recession exposes the roots of your teeth. This increases the likelihood of decay, sensitivity, and being prone to abrasion. What To Expect With A Gum Graft During a gum graft, the dentist removes tissue from the roof of your […]
Nothing looks, feels, or functions like your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing along with six-month dental check-ups can help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Sometimes though your teeth may have an infection or disease which needs additional care. When possible, talk with your Boston dentist to consider treatments that can save your […]
Periodontists Who Use Lasers Are Becoming More Commonplace
December 12, 2018
Lasers are a relatively new tool in the dental field. Laser dentistry has a variety of applications, and more uses for these powerful medical tools are evolving every day. It is rapidly becoming an everyday tool at dental offices, including Dental Partners of Boston. Dental Partners of Boston Uses Laser Gum Treatment Boston Periodontist, Dr. […]
How Are Psoriasis, Gum Disease, & Smoking Related?
November 5, 2018
Back in 2014, there was a study conducted in Hungary to look at a potential link between Psoriasis and Gum Disease, also known as Periodontitis. The study was conducted because both of these conditions are caused by inflammation. The researchers at the Facility of Dentistry at the University of Szeged in Hungary worked with the […]
Treat Gum Disease with the Only FDA Cleared Laser Treatment
June 14, 2018
Why We Recommend LANAP™ Laser Periodontal Therapy Over Traditional Treatments LANAP™ Laser Periodontal Therapy combines the proven methods of traditional gum surgery with the precision and benefits of laser dentistry. In addition to added comfort and shorter recovery time, it can preserve healthy gum tissue by only removing the dead and diseased tissue. Thanks to […]
Technology is advancing and the use of a dental implant is becoming a common solution for dental repair and replacement. Dental implants are an excellent way to replace teeth. They last longer and are more durable than dental bridges. They are also better than dealing with the hassle of dentures. If you are a resident […]
Laser Gum Surgery is a newer treatment approved in 2004 for the correction of advanced cases of gum disease that may not be readily treatable with other methods. Dr. Sergio Guzman, a Boston Periodontist, has been certified in the procedure and will help you determine the best treatment for your current periodontal condition. Old to […]
Lasers have been around for decades. They’re relatively commonplace and most of us use them or their applications on a daily basis, often without realizing it. Within the medical industry, lasers have become, quite literally, cutting-edge technology. They have advanced the way we operate and heal. At Dental Partners of Boston, we are continually striving […]
Are you dealing with serious gum disease? Currently, 65 million Americans are currently dealing with some form of gum disease. Therefore, prompt treatment is important to fight gum disease. If untreated, it will continue to worsen until the teeth become loose and possibly fall out. What is Gum Disease Treatment? Gum disease is commonly referred […]
At Dental Partners of Boston, we offer many different procedures and treatments to our patients. We commit to giving you the best dental care possible. You get individualized care and attention when you come to DPB for dental service. There are many different procedures to prevent the start of periodontal disease. We also provide procedures […]
Is it possible to have a healthy body with poor oral hygiene? More and more the research says “no.” Your oral health is surprisingly significant when it comes to the health of your heart. For over two decades doctors have researched if there is a link between gum disease and heart disease. They are convinced […]
At Dental Partners of Boston, we love to help our patients make good choices related to their oral health. We care about each one of our patients, and we work to create an environment that is welcoming and calming for them. Our team will listen to each one of our patient’s needs and concerns and […]
Are you afraid of visiting the dentist? If you are one of the 30 to 40 million people with a fear of visiting the dentist, take heed! We provide sedation dentistry services to all of our Boston patients, and is designed to help you relax while receiving the dental care your teeth and gums need […]
Dental Partners of Boston offers a variety of dental services as your Boston dentist. We have periodontal, orthodontics, and general dental health care services. Our staff is friendly and professional and will take the time to listen to your individual concerns and help you with your oral hygiene concerns. We also want to help our […]
Dental Partners of Boston wants to give each one of our patients the best care possible. This means we also try to help our patients with tips on how to maintain great oral hygiene in their daily lives. While of course this includes brushing and flossing daily, there are also other important things to know […]
How Much Money Could You Save Flossing Your Teeth?
June 13, 2017
At Dental Partners of Boston, we are committed to giving our patients the best dental care possible. That means going beyond just quality service during a typical visit. As one of the best dental offices in Boston, we are dedicated to educating and helping our patients make good decisions about their dental health. The best […]
At Dental Partners of Boston, we do our best to give our patients tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the year. We want our patients to incorporate smart, safe practices related to their dental health in their day to day lives. This is the best way to have long-lasting, far-reaching positive oral […]
As your Boston dentist, we are committed to providing you with helpful information related to your oral hygiene. Dental Partners of Boston wants to give you timely, useful tips on how to maintain good oral health habits. One topic we are regularly asked about is that of which toothpaste to use. There are many different […]
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are a modern miracle. Capable of remaining strong and stable for a lifetime, dental implants are incredibly realistic and beautiful. Although dental implants were invented in the 1950’s by a orthopedic surgeon, the technology has continued to evolve, and modern implants are better than ever before. […]
Nearly 50% of Americans have some form of mild to moderate gum disease. This is unsurprising seeing that over one-third of Americans don’t visit their dentist annually. The benefits of regular dental exams extend beyond detecting the early stages of gum disease. Dental exams usually include a professional cleaning, current X-rays, and help the dentist […]
Flossing your teeth is kind of like eating less sugar, getting up at the right time, and stretching your back regularly: the professionals all tell us it’s important, but it’s hard to always listen! What can help is perhaps gaining a better understanding of why flossing is so important.
