What Happens If You Never Floss

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Flossing may not be the highlight of anyone’s day—it’s certainly not something you’re going to post on Instagram to attract followers—but it is one of those small habits that pays off in a big way. Skipping it might feel harmless—just like skipping laundry for a week or—gasp—deciding that vegetables are optional—but over time, the results are far from pleasant. The truth is, flossing isn’t about impressing your dentist—or your social media followers; it’s about keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Why Flossing Matters

Brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, but it can’t reach the tight spaces between them. That’s where floss comes in, removing food particles and plaque that your toothbrush leaves behind. Without flossing, these hidden areas become a perfect home for bacteria, which may feel so comfortable they start nesting; hanging pictures and installing bookshelves. Okay, not really, but you get the picture. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which requires a professional cleaning to get rid of.

The Risks of Skipping It

Neglecting flossing doesn’t cause instant chaos, but problems build quietly. Bacteria between teeth can irritate the gums, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding—early signs of gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, where the supporting bone around your teeth begins to break down. This can eventually lead to tooth loss. Bad breath is another common result, as trapped food particles slowly turn into an unpleasant reminder that flossing was skipped.

The Daily Chore Comparison

Flossing might not be thrilling, but neither is taking out the trash, washing dishes, or paying bills—yet all are necessary to avoid bigger problems later. Just like ignoring dishes leads to a smelly kitchen, ignoring flossing leads to an unhealthy mouth. A minute of flossing a day is far less trouble than sitting through a lengthy dental cleaning in Akron, OH later. Whereas if you do floss, your future dental cleanings will be easy peasy.

Flossing is not about perfection or impressing anyone; it is about preventing small issues from turning into major ones. Think of it as one of those unexciting but essential tasks that keeps life running smoothly—just for your teeth. Your future self, and your dentist in Akron, OH, will thank you.

4 Signs You Have a Cavity And What to Do About It

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Sometimes it’s hard to tell when you have a dental cavity. The signs of a cavity can be subtle. Fortunately, your dentist in Akron, OH can help with diagnosis and treatment. It’s important to recognize the potential signs and know when to see the dentist. In this article, we’ll tell you about the signs to watch for and what to do if you suspect you have a cavity.

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in your tooth formed by tooth decay. Cavities often happen when you have a diet high in sugary foods, especially if you have poor oral hygiene habits. Kids are at high risk for cavities because they often eat a lot of candy and have trouble brushing their teeth when they’re very young.

Adults can also get cavities. Cavities can occur when the right combination of bacteria forms in your mouth and your teeth are not properly cleaned.

Signs You Have a Cavity

While some cavities have few or no symptoms, most people will notice they have a cavity because of some or all of the symptoms below:

  1. Toothache. If you have a cavity, you may notice that you have a toothache or tooth sensitivity. The toothache can be subtle or intense.
  2. Discoloration on your tooth. You may be able to see the cavity in the form of discoloration on your tooth. The cavity may look black or brown.
  3. Hole in your tooth. You may feel a rough spot on your tooth, or you may be able to see a hole in your tooth.
  4. Bad breath. Cavities can cause bad breath because of the bacteria that builds up in the cavity.

What to Do If You Think You Have a Cavity

If you have a cavity, it’s important to see the dentist as soon as possible. Call your dentist at Marino Dental on Darrow to make your next dental appointment.

Why You Should Not Delay

Waiting to treat a cavity can lead to a dental infection, which is a much more serious problem. At Marino Dental on Darrow, we provide cavity fillings in Akron, OH. Call today to make an appointment.

4 Things to Do When You’ve Lost a Permanent Tooth

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Getting a permanent tooth knocked out of your mouth can be a scary and traumatic experience. You trust your permanent teeth to be there for you, so when that changes, it’s rattling and upsetting.

The good news is that acting quickly can save your tooth. If you can get to the dentist in Akron, OH, fast enough, your permanent tooth may be able to be reinstalled and healed. Time is of the essence. This is what you need to do.

1. Find the Tooth

Once a permanent tooth is knocked out, it needs to be recovered as soon as possible. It may be on the ground or still in your mouth. If the tooth is on the ground, pick it up by the crown. You can rinse it off with sterile saline solution, milk, or with your own spit. Rinse it gently. Touching the root of the tooth can damage it, so be sure to handle the tooth carefully.

2. Call the Dentist

You’ll need to get to the dentist as fast as possible in order to get your tooth reinserted. Ideally, you’ll be in the dentist’s chair within 30 minutes of the tooth coming out.

Call the dentist immediately to let them know you’re on your way. If it will take longer to get to the dentist, ask the dentist for advice. Sometimes, teeth can stay out for slightly longer, or your dentist may have another location to recommend.

3. Store the Tooth Safely

Storing the tooth safely is important. The best place to put your tooth is back in the hole it came out of. Insert the tooth, root first, into the hole. Bite down gently to keep the tooth in place.

If you’re not feeling up to putting the tooth back in the hole, you can also hold the tooth in your cheek pouch as you’re transported to the dentist.

4. Get to the Dentist As Soon As Possible

Drive safely and efficiently to the dental office.

Are you having adental emergency in Akron, OH? The professionals at Marino Dental on Darrow can help. Call ahead to let us know you’re coming to the office. We’ll be waiting for you.