I didn't floss?

Question

I just wrote another question about being scared of going to the dentist incase I need lots of fillings because I haven't been since I was 15 and I'm now 24.

I've always brushed my teeth every day, but I never flossed until a few months ago........is that really bad? Will I have cavities between all my teeth now? I really don't want to be told off by the dentist for having lts of cavities, and I'm really scared about getting fillings.

Answer 1

The number one cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is flossing daily. You should not put off going to the dentist because you think you may have cavities. Would you put off going to the doctor because you think you have cancer? Wouldn't you rather know the diseases you have, so you can get them treated before they become worse? Your dentist should not tell you off for having cavities, although he may want to. He sees this everyday. Most people don't realize the importance of flossing everyday until it's too late, and they are losing their teeth to periodontal disease. You said you started flossing a few months ago. I hope you are flossing everyday. When you go to the dentist, you should ask about the correct way to floss. It's hard to describe without demonstrating it. Just be careful not to damage your gums. If your gums hurt or bleed, then you have gingivitis, and you should be diligent in your flossing. The bleeding should cease if you continue flossing daily for about a week. Flossing may seem like a hassle now, but it is worth it in the long run - it's the best way to avoid dentures.

Answer 2

Following on from your last question and my last answer, I don't floss either and very rarely do (about 2 or 3 times a year if that - I've got the floss, I just don't use it). If you have cavities apparently you will experience pain like nothing you've felt before. Good dentists don't tell you off, they just advise you on the best ways to look after your teeth.

Again, if you aren't suffering pain, don't have bleeding or receding gums you should be fine.

If it helps, buy a good toothbrush and use something like Colgate Total - don't go for whitening toothpastes as they can be abrasive. I've always had a good brush (replace every 6 months) and always used Colgate and I only have one filling and that's because my tooth enamel didn't develop properly when my tooth grew (apparently, but that was done by the bodge dentist).

Answer 3

The longer you wait to go to a dentist, the worse your teeth are going to get, and then fillings will be the least of your problems! Fillings aren't that bad to get--I have lots of them myself (I'm embarrassed to say) but it never hurt getting them put in. Just tell him the truth, that you only started flossing recently and you're worried about the health of your teeth. You probably won't have cavities between the teeth, but you might notice some gum recession and plaque buildup. Get it taken care of now, before you end up needing major surgery!

I have also heard of people getting heart attacks from lack of dental care. What happens is that the bacteria from a tooth infection or absess enter the bloodstream and can cause terrible sickness requiring hospitalization, or even lead to the heart stopping. Fortunately, this is rare, but flossing is still very important. I remember one dentist on TV saying that if he had to give up either brushing or flossing, he'd give up brushing. Bacteria hide mainly between the teeth where the brush can't reach.

Btw, there are new porcelain fillings that look like real tooth enamel, but are more expensive than regular metal fillings. If you can afford it, ask if you can get them. I wish I could have all my ugly metal fillings replaced with porcelain ones! :o(

Answer 4

I love the dentist but then again I have not had many cavaties at all. Just remember a dentist is more for cosmetic then it is medical.
Do you have any toothaches? If no, Then you probably won't need a filling. You should floss but it is no big deal when you didn't b/c you are not. You won't have cavaties between ALL your teeth now from missing the floss. Flossing is just an added measure of dental care.
If you need fillings, you don't even have to get them done in the same visit.

Answer 5

your situation is common really. kids get taken to the dentist by their parents and once they are out on their own- we don't see em for 5 or 6 years. sometimes, it turns out ok and other times- things have developed. the fact that you are flossing now is good but still you might have some calculus that needs to be removed so your gums stay healthy. and of corse as you said, in between the teeth cavities could have developed but maybe not yet. only way to find out is to go . if your dentist CHEWS you out then he is not the one for you cuz being brave and smart enough to get the care you need even if you did get a cavity or whatever well, thats just rude if you ask me if he chewed you out. i am proud of ya for just trying to get taken care of. don't be afraid to go- now a days things are real easy on you. most of the time - nothing is ever as bad as you imagine it will be. but if you are really scared just ask for nitrous oxide. there's usually an extra charge but in some cases it is well worth it until you get used to your new dentist and his staff

Answer 6

i have not been to a dentist in 14 years last week was the first time. in 14 years. i usually brush only when i go some where important. and i was told i have no cavities

Answer 7

No but start flossing now from time to time, and use a flouride toothpaste and mouthwash. Then show your dentist your shiny teeth and give me 10 points!

Answer 8

you are officially NASTY if you don't floss. just think if you didn't wash out your butt crack or armpit daily. now consider if you put food and water in those places and left it. yeah, i just described your foul mouth.

i'm a dentist and i rather enjoy talking to ya'll the way i wish i could talk to my nasty patients....they don't floss either. how dumb do you have to be to not floss, then need to poked and drilled, and then still not learn to floss. are you retarded? the definition of stupidity is repeating the same behavior and expecting a diferent result.

Answer 9

everybdy's scared of dentists...
flossing is good oral hygiene but not many people practice it,l'm afraid..l do it sporadically myself.
Don't worry,just go and get it over with.Hopefully he'll be impressed by your teeth ,given that you haven't needed a check-up for the past 9 years..
good luck!

Answer 10

I've heard that not flossing increases the chance of a heart attack becaue plaque can get into your blood stream....however I seem to think that not many people actually do floss, so you aren't alone.