Based on a new survey conducted by Waterpik a clean mouth is a turn-on.  The survey suggested that partners preferred good oral hygiene over date night standards such as dimming the lights, candles, wearing perfume or listening to mood music.  According to Kelton Research “the results of this study reinforced some of what we already knew- that most consumers simply don’t like to floss with string – but we were surprised at how important oral hygiene was in order to be attractive to your significant other.”

The survey also found that despite valuing  good flossing habits in others, Americans have a complicated relationship with floss.

Survey shows – Americans are most likely to floss when food is stuck in their teeth (64%) or right before going to the dentist(51%).

Survey shows – Almost 60% say they deserve a barely passing grade (C or lower) for their efforts to floss every day.

Survey shows – Almost the same percentage (57%) says that floss makes their gums bleed or that the floss gets stuck between their teeth.

The last part of the survey is the most disturbing – if your gums bleed when you brush or floss it means that gum disease is present.  Gum disease not only affects your oral health, causing bad breath, sore gums and potential tooth loss – the oral bacteria involved have been linked to illness such as diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and stroke.

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss please contact my Columbus area dental practice today at 614-476-6696.  Gum disease is treatable and new advances have made treatment much simpler than in the past.  If fear or anxiety are the reasons you have avoided dental treatment please ask about your  sedation dentistry, an anxiety-free, relaxing way to get the treatment you need.