Flossing is a mechanical action designed to clean the surfaces of your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. This practice involves using a thin filament to physically scrape away the film of bacteria and trapped food particles from the tight spaces between teeth and beneath the gumline. Regular brushing alone is insufficient, making interdental cleaning a necessary component of daily oral hygiene. Neglecting this routine allows the bacterial film to remain undisturbed, setting the stage for a series of escalating oral health problems.
Accelerated Biofilm and Halitosis
The immediate consequence of skipping interdental cleaning is the rapid maturation of dental plaque, also known as biofilm, in the interproximal areas. Biofilm is a sticky, complex matrix composed of hundreds of bacterial species. Within the sheltered, oxygen-deprived environment between teeth, anaerobic bacteria thrive and multiply quickly. These bacteria feed on residual food proteins and sugars, metabolizing them into gaseous waste products. A significant byproduct of this anaerobic activity is volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. The accumulation of these VSCs is the primary source of bad breath, or halitosis, which is an early sign of neglected interdental spaces. The undisturbed biofilm acts as a reservoir, constantly producing these gases until it is physically disrupted and removed.
The Development of Gum Inflammation
If the bacterial biofilm is not removed, the accumulation begins to irritate the sensitive gum tissue, leading to gingivitis. This is the initial stage of periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. The body’s immune system recognizes the bacterial toxins as a threat and mounts an inflammatory response. This immune reaction causes the gums to become red, swollen, and tender to the touch. A classic symptom of gingivitis is bleeding that occurs easily, often when brushing or flossing. The condition is entirely reversible at this stage; the inflammation is limited to the soft tissue, and no permanent damage to the supporting bone has yet occurred. Renewed, diligent oral hygiene can disrupt the bacterial colonies, allowing the gum tissue to heal and return to a healthy state.
Permanent Structural Damage
When gingivitis is ignored for an extended period, the inflammation can spread downward and progress into periodontitis, a destructive and irreversible disease. The persistent presence of bacterial toxins and the body’s chronic inflammatory response begin to destroy the connective tissues and underlying bone that anchor the teeth. As the supporting structures are destroyed, the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth roots, creating deepened spaces called periodontal pockets. These pockets become sheltered harbors for more aggressive, bone-destroying bacteria. The resulting bone loss is permanent, and the teeth may begin to feel loose or shift position, known as increased mobility. Ultimately, the unchecked destruction of the supporting structures can lead to complete tooth loss. Furthermore, the chronic, systemic inflammation associated with severe periodontitis has been linked to the worsening of other conditions, including cardiovascular disease and challenges in managing diabetes.
Interproximal Cavity Formation
Apart from the damage to the gums and bone, the undisturbed biofilm between the teeth also leads directly to the destruction of the tooth structure itself. The most common location for dental decay is the contact point where two adjacent teeth touch, forming an interproximal cavity. Here, the plaque is tightly packed and protected from the mechanical action of the toothbrush and the cleansing flow of saliva. The bacteria within this trapped plaque metabolize dietary sugars and starches, producing acid as a waste product. This localized acid attack demineralizes the tooth’s protective enamel and then the softer dentin beneath. Because these lesions develop on the side surfaces of the teeth, they are often hidden from view during a routine visual exam. Interproximal cavities are frequently only discovered when they are advanced enough to cause pain or when they are detected on routine bitewing X-rays taken during a checkup.