You have probably heard a dentist, or two, go on and on about flossing. Why do we make such a big deal about it? And how, exactly, does one properly floss?

 

Flossing eliminates plaque and food particles from areas a toothbrush cannot easily reach – beneath the gum line and between your teeth. Dentists recommend daily flossing since plaque buildup can lead to tooth damage, gum disease and can affect your overall health.

 

Knowing when to floss is also crucial for optimal dental health. Most people have a habit of brushing their teeth first, then flossing. But did you know? It's okay to floss before brushing your teeth. If fact, we'd recommend getting into that habit if you tend to give up on your dental routine early and typically skip the floss. 

 

Flossing helps to remove food and plaque between your teeth, whereas brushing eliminates these particles from your mouth. If you brush first and then floss without thoroughly rinsing with mouthwash, food and plaque could remain in your mouth until you brush again. 

 

Importance Of Flossing 

 

Patients frequently ask whether flossing really makes a significant difference if they brush twice daily. Our Rutland Dental Centre dentists will discuss why flossing is crucial for not only your oral hygiene but general health:

 

Dental Hygiene At Home

 

Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing once daily are essential components of an effective at-home oral hygiene practice. Our dentists at Rutland Dental Centre note that many people who clean their teeth skip flossing because they believe brushing is sufficient to maintain their dental health.

 

But flossing serves a purpose that your toothbrush cannot. The toothbrush can only reach three out of five surfaces of your tooth. Because the two undisturbed surfaces are so close to the sides of other teeth, food can become lodged between them. 

 

It produces a breeding environment for bacteria leading to plaque formation. But floss comes to the rescue! As an interdental cleaning instrument, floss penetrates these small places and removes up to 80% of plaque. Let us repeat that – 80%!! Your toothbrush alone doesn't come close to reaching all the bacteria and plaque it needs to in the tight spaces between your teeth and along gum line.

 

Plaque And Tartar 

 

If plaque is not cleaned from your teeth regularly, it hardens into tartar and is far more difficult to remove from your teeth. We love to spend time with our patients, but we know there are far better things you would rather be doing than hanging out in our chair while we remove stubborn tartar. 

 

Flossing helps to prevent plaque from hardening into tartar in the tight areas between your teeth. Less tartar means less scraping the next time you go to the dentist for a cleaning and a lower risk of developing tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease. Flossing once a day is a simple and easy way to maintain healthy teeth and save time when you visit your dentist for a routine dental cleaning.

 

Keep Your Gums Healthy

 

Skip flossing and the germs that are not effectively removed will eventually irritate the gum tissue. The irritation will worsen as the number of bacteria rises. If left untreated, this can lead to gingivitis, a periodontal disease characterized by red and swollen gums that bleed.

 

Protects You From Other Diseases

 

Bacteria in your mouth can affect more than just your oral health. Gingivitis has the potential to enter the bloodstream and spread to other regions of the body, resulting in heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disorders. Flossing takes only a few minutes of your day yet has significant long-term health advantages.

 

Tips For Improving Your Flossing Technique

 

If you don't floss daily, now is the time to start. It will help you maintain good oral hygiene and fresh breath. If you already floss but wish to improve your technique, here are some suggestions:

 

Be Gentle

 

You must floss vigorously between each tooth, up and down with force. Myth! This type of flossing might potentially harm your gums. A moderate but forceful motion up and down the sides of each tooth a couple of times should be sufficient to avoid plaque accumulation.

 

Consider Flossing First

 

Plaque and other microorganisms are removed from your teeth by flossing. If some of those particles stick to your teeth's exposed surfaces, they may continue to erode your enamel. Brushing after flossing removes such particles and provides a more comprehensive cleaning. Alternatively, you can brush first, then floss, and rinse with water and mouthwash.

 

Choose The Right Floss For You

 

There are numerous floss styles such as waxed, unwaxed, thick, fine, ribbon, and comfort floss. Picks, water flossers, and pre-threaded flossers are also available.

 

Nylon floss comes in waxed and unwaxed varieties, and different tastes. Because this type of floss has many nylon strands, it can sometimes tear or shred, especially between teeth with tight contact areas.

 

A higher quality, single filament floss slides easier between teeth, even those with small gaps, and is almost shred-proof.

 

Both flosses are great for eliminating plaque and food particles. Not sure which is best for you? Your dentist or dental hygienist at Rutland Dental Centre can assist you!

 

Use The Right Flossing Technique

 

To floss your teeth correctly, follow this step-by-step guide:

 

• Remove 18 to 24 inches of dental floss. Wind the floss around both of your middle fingers to hold it correctly. Leave only 1 to 2 inches of floss for your teeth.
• Then, using your thumbs and index fingers, pull the floss taut.
• Put the dental floss between two teeth. Gently move the floss up and down the tooth, rubbing it on both surfaces.
• Do not insert the floss into your gums. It can cause bleeding, irritation, or bruises to your gums. 
• Curve the floss to make a C shape. It permits the floss to get between your gums and your teeth.
• Repeat the procedure from tooth to tooth. 
• Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.

 

 

If you want to improve your flossing technique, speak with your dentist or dental hygienist at Rutland Dental Centre during your next dental appointment. Our team is here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral and dental health – book your next appointment here! 

 

 

 

References:

1. Mouth Healthy. “Flossing”. Retrieved from mouthhealthy.org: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing
2. NHS. “Why should I use dental floss?” Retrieved from nhs.uk: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/dental-health/why-should-i-use-dental-floss/