We’ve all been there. You’re at the dentist, and they ask, “So, how often are you flossing?” You mumble something about trying to do it every day, but their raised eyebrow says they’re not convinced. It’s okay, flossing isn’t everyone’s favorite activity. But it’s important for your oral hygiene.
This guide will explore how and why flossing matters. We’ll share tools and tricks to make flossing easier, turning this chore into a daily victory.
Why Flossing Is a Big Deal
Brushing alone isn’t enough for optimal oral health. Even the best toothbrush can’t reach every nook and cranny between your teeth. Brushing twice daily with a toothbrush or not, traditional dental floss is needed for complete interdental cleaning.
Daily flossing removes stubborn food particles and plaque. This isn’t just about fresh breath, although flossing fights bad-breath bacteria much better than brushing alone. It also helps with teeth whitening, maintaining bright smiles.
Plaque, a sticky film teeming with bacteria, clings to your teeth and erodes enamel, leading to tooth decay and gingivitis. Regular dental flossing combined with good brushing habits helps prevent these oral diseases.
Flossing and Gum Health
Plaque left undisturbed hardens into tartar, irritating gums and potentially causing periodontal disease. Tartar buildup requires professional dental cleaning. Don't skip flossing as traditional dental floss cleans teeth properly.
The CDC reports that one in two adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease. Regular flossing, along with other oral care routines, helps maintain healthy gums. Good oral hygiene contributes to your overall health care.
Mastering the Art of Flossing
The most common flossing mistake is snapping the floss between teeth or pulling too hard on the gums. This damages gum tissue. Gentle flossing technique is key.
Here’s the proper flossing technique:
- Take about 18 inches of floss and wrap most around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches to work with.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth, avoiding a sawing motion; floss slides easily with the right technique.
- Curve the floss into a "C" shape against each tooth and slide it under the gum line.
- Rub the floss up and down against each tooth surface, using a new section of floss for each tooth. Remember, traditional dental flossing aids greatly to remove food particles toothbrush can't reach.
For those with tight contacts, waxed floss can make the process smoother. For wider spaces, unwaxed floss might be a better choice. Remember, learning to floss is important to remove plaque buildup between your teeth, even though you might hate flossing. The floss removes these food particles that a toothbrush can't reach which helps you avoid future dental services.
Exploring Different Flossing Tools
Beyond traditional floss, several flossing tools cater to different needs and preferences, including floss holders that make holding the floss more comfortable.
|
Floss Type |
Best For |
|---|---|
|
Waxed Floss |
Tight teeth, beginners |
|
Unwaxed Floss |
Wide spaces between teeth |
|
Dental Tape |
Braces, bridges, larger gaps |
|
Floss Picks |
On-the-go flossing |
|
Waterpik Water Flosser |
Braces, dexterity issues, those who dislike string floss |
|
Super Floss |
Cleaning around dental work such as bridges or braces. |
|
Interdental Brushes |
Cleaning between teeth, especially for wider gaps. |
Flossing With Braces
Flossing with braces requires guiding the floss around wires. A floss threader helps you navigate dental hardware complexities and makes flossing easier by pulling regular floss through. Using waxed floss is usually recommended. Also, Water flossers like the water pick offer a simpler method. The stream of water reaches tight spots that traditional floss might miss.
Learning the correct method of flossing with braces will improve oral care for brace-wearers.
FAQs about Flossing
What does flossing do?
Flossing removes food and plaque between teeth and under the gum line, preventing cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. It’s a crucial part of any oral health care regimen.
How often should you floss?
The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day to maintain good dental health. A toothbrush alone is not enough to properly care for the contact areas between teeth and is even harder when cleaning devices such as floss are not implemented properly.
Do I floss before or after brushing?
The order doesn’t matter, as long as you floss thoroughly once a day. However, some dentists suggest flossing before brushing. This allows fluoride from toothpaste to reach between teeth.
Importance of Flossing in West Covina
Flossing is crucial for healthy teeth and gums, reducing your risk of dental problems. Make flossing a daily habit with the correct method, and even choose the best tools like the interdental cleaning devices for better gum health. Doing so effectively combats bad breath from bacteria buildup. You may start to find satisfaction in flossing and may not mind flossing teeth.
With consistent flossing, you'll notice improvements like less bleeding and fewer instances of swollen gums. The benefits of daily flossing will become apparent as your oral health improves. Don't forget the toothbrush and other interdental cleaning, or talk with your dentist or dental hygienist to receive tips tailored for your mouth.