Introduction
Flossing is important for oral and dental hygiene. At Care32Dental, we want to emphasize how important it is and how frequently you should do it.
We all know the cardinal rule of good oral health: brush and floss regularly. But the reality is, that knowledge and practice are two very different things. Just because we know these basics by heart doesn’t mean we follow them regularly. Flossing, in particular, is tougher to follow because it requires cleaning between the teeth to remove plaque build-up. That’s a lot of cleaning for a full set of teeth, on top of brushing at least twice a day. It’s no surprise, then, that a lot of people are guilty of skipping out on it until it’s too late. By then, the plaque build-up has already developed into a cavity and other worse dental problems. When was the last time you flossed or booked a professional teeth cleaning service? If you’re wondering why you need to get in the habit of flossing on top of regular brushing, and how often you actually need to do it, it’s a good time to revisit these basics:
Do I need to floss?
Many people who don’t floss say it’s because they already clean their teeth with regular brushing, and view flossing as just an extra but unnecessary precaution, something they don’t need to do because their teeth are healthy. But they’re wrong. It also does not help that there was some confusing news about flossing. These claims that flossing is not essential to your daily oral hygiene, despite vouching for oral prophylaxis, professional teeth cleaning and frequent brushing. There are also fewer studies about flossing, particularly those that confirm the importance of regular flossing just as much as brushing. However, here’s where they are wrong: your toothbrush cannot effectively reach your entire mouth, especially between the teeth, which are not visible surfaces. It’s only with interdental cleaning, like flossing, that cavity-causing plaque build-up can be removed. Simply, flossing can remove debris lodged between teeth: something the bristles of a toothbrush can’t do. Even when you brush regularly but don’t floss, you are at higher risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
How often should I floss?
We all know that we need to brush at least twice a day. Brushing cleans the visible surfaces of the teeth, but it’s flossing that cleans the hard-to-reach places between teeth, and along the gum line. To prevent plaque build-up and gum disease, you need to floss daily, at least once a day. If you were rushing to brush your teeth after an earlier meal, flossing during your next brush allows you to remove the hard-to-reach plaque, bacteria, and food particles. So, aim to floss as much as you brush for increased protection against cavities and gum disease. Flossing after every meal removes debris stuck between your teeth and prevents plaque build-up outright. There’s no such thing as too much flossing unless you’re doing it incorrectly and applying so much pressure that it damages your teeth and gums.
How to Floss
While there’s no such thing as flossing too much, it’s important to do it correctly to remove debris effectively and prevent damage to your teeth and gums. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get in the habit of flossing, you’ll wonder why it hasn’t always been part of your regular oral hygiene routine. Here’s how to floss correctly in five easy steps:
Break off a piece of floss about 18 inches long and wind most of the piece around the middle finger of one hand. Wind the remainder around the middle finger of your other hand, leaving a strand in between.
Hold the floss between your index fingers and thumbs, then slide the strand between two teeth.
Move the floss up and down. Make sure to reach the gum line, then curve it and gently slip it under the gum next to one tooth.
Clean under the gum of the adjoining tooth. Move the floss up and down tightly against each tooth to clean between the teeth.
Gently slide the floss out and unwind a fresh section to repeat the process and floss between all teeth.
When is the best time to floss?
Get in the habit of flossing by doing it when you brush your teeth. For best results, the Journal of Periodontology recommends flossing first and then brushing to remove debris lodged between teeth, making it easier to brush them away. This also maintains the fluoride concentration on the tooth enamel after brushing.
How regularly do I floss?
You have to floss your teeth at least once an afternoon, together with brushing. Flossing allows you to get rid of meals and plaque from between your teeth and round your gums. This saves you enamel decay, gum sickness, and lousy breath. So, ensure you floss each day to preserve your enamel and gums health!
Tips for effective flossing
Use the correct approach: Hold it between your fingers and rub it gently between your teeth. Remove the braces by twisting each tooth and moving them up and down.
Don’t forget your back teeth: Be sure to floss your back teeth as well. There, too, caves are made by drawing lines.
Be Gentle: Don’t floss your gums. Use a gentle saw motion to guide it between your teeth.
Use enough floss: Use extra floss for each tooth to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Why is flossing important?
Flossing helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay. If you don’t floss, plaque and bacteria can build up between and around your teeth. This can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even tooth decay.
How Often Should I Floss? Tips from Care32Dental
Flossing is important for oral and dental hygiene. At Care32Dental, we want to emphasise how important that is and how frequently you should do it.
