When you skip flossing, you're essentially creating a thriving party zone for harmful bacteria. The bacteria absolutely love the food particles and sugars trapped in those tight spots between your teeth and along your gum line. And when they feast, they kickstart a whole range of unwelcome problems:

1. Gum Disease (Gingivitis & Periodontitis): The most common consequence. Plaque buildup irritates your gums, leading to inflammation, redness, swelling, and bleeding gums (gingivitis). If left unchecked, this can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can damage the bone supporting your teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss.

2. Cavities Between Your Teeth: Just like on other tooth surfaces, plaque between your teeth produces acids that eat away at enamel, leading to cavities in those hard to-reach spots. These often go unnoticed until they're larger, requiring more extensive dental work.

3. Tartar Buildup: Over time, soft plaque hardens into a tough substance called tartar (calculus) that only a dental professional can remove. This rough surface then provides even more places for plaque to cling, accelerating the problems.

4. Bad Breath Lingering food particles and bacteria between your teeth can cause persistent bad breath, no matter how much you brush.