Skipping dental floss significantly increases the risk of developing cavities. A sticky, colorless film called dental plaque constantly forms on the surface of teeth, composed of bacteria and their byproducts. When this plaque remains undisturbed, especially in hidden areas, it begins a destructive process that erodes the tooth structure. Flossing is an integral part of preventing decay in the mouth.
The Role of Flossing in Plaque Removal
Brushing teeth twice daily cleans the broad outer and inner surfaces, but a toothbrush cannot reach every area. The tight spaces where teeth touch, known as the interdental space, are inaccessible to standard bristles.
Dental floss is specifically designed to slide into this narrow gap, providing mechanical cleaning where brushing fails. Floss also cleans the gingival sulcus, the small, shallow crevice between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that flossing can remove up to 80% of the plaque located between the teeth. By physically scraping the side of each tooth, floss dislodges bacteria and food debris, preventing the buildup of hardened deposits known as calculus or tartar.
How Skipped Flossing Leads to Decay
When plaque accumulates in the interdental space, the bacteria thrive on fermentable carbohydrates like sugars. These bacteria metabolize the sugars and release organic acids as a byproduct. This acid is highly corrosive to the tooth’s outer layer, the enamel.
Frequent acid exposure causes demineralization, dissolving mineral ions out of the enamel. This weakens the tooth structure, creating microscopic pores that eventually coalesce into a visible cavity. This destructive process accelerates in tight interdental spaces because the flow of saliva, which naturally neutralizes acid, is restricted there. The persistent acidity means the tooth does not have a chance to remineralize. As decay progresses deeper, it penetrates the underlying dentin layer, leading to a larger cavity that requires professional intervention.
Beyond Cavities: Other Consequences of Neglect
While cavities are a significant concern, neglecting to floss also deeply affects the health of the gums. Unremoved plaque along the gum line irritates the soft tissues, initiating an inflammatory response. This initial stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, characterized by gums that are red, swollen, and prone to bleeding.
If this inflammation is not reversed by consistent plaque removal, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis. The chronic presence of bacterial plaque and the body’s immune response break down the tissues and bone holding the teeth in place. As the gums pull away, pockets form that become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to irreversible bone loss.
Halitosis
Another consequence of interdental plaque accumulation is halitosis, commonly known as chronic bad breath. The bacteria thriving in the dark, moist spaces between teeth produce foul-smelling volatile sulfur compounds as they break down food particles. Flossing removes these decaying particles and the odor-producing bacteria, which is the only effective way to address this symptom when it originates from interdental buildup.