The Truth about Flossing and why it Matters
Good oral hygiene is important for a healthy, beautiful smile, and flossing is an essential part of this routine. How exactly does flossing improve oral health? How do you know which floss to use? And how can you make it a habit? Let’s take a closer look together!
By Dr. Stephanie Vera, DDS
Let's talk about flossing. I know, it's not the most exciting topic, and you’ve heard about it from your dentist about a million times, but there's a good reason for that! Flossing is a game changer when it comes to your oral hygiene. While many people know that flossing is important, it’s something that many people struggle to do effectively and consistently. This is kind of a big deal since flossing keeps your pearly whites healthy and looking good. So, let's look at why flossing is so important, how to do it the right way, and how to make it a regular part of your oral hygiene routine.
First things first, why do so many people skip flossing? Well, for starters, it can be a bit of a hassle. I get it, we're all busy and sometimes it feels like there just aren't enough hours in the day. Plus, it may be uncomfortable or even painful. But here's the thing - with the right technique and a little bit of practice, flossing doesn't have to be a chore.
Dental floss is a very thin strand of nylon that can reach between the teeth and the gum line and remove food particles that can cause decay and inflammation. Amazingly, it's one of the best tools for maintaining good dental health. Some dentists feel that flossing one time is the equivalent of brushing twice. Not that you should floss and not brush, just that flossing is a crucial part of a good dental routine. You still need to floss and brush. It doesn't matter whether you floss or brush first (personally, I floss before I brush), as long as you do both.
Why Flossing Matters
Let's address the big question - why is flossing so important? You can think of it this way, brushing your teeth is like washing the dishes, and flossing is like getting in those hard-to-reach spots. When you skip flossing, you're leaving behind food and bacteria on 40% of your tooth surfaces; it is impossible for your toothbrush to reach areas where the teeth touch, are overlapped or crowded, and the back of molars. This is where flossing becomes essential:
1. Prevents tooth decay:
Flossing mechanically removes food, plaque, and bacteria from tooth surfaces at the gum line and areas your toothbrush can’t reach. The removal of cavity-causing bacteria and the food particles they use to produce acid, reduces your risk of tooth decay.
2. Reduces Bad Breath:
When plaque and tartar build up between the teeth or under the gums, they contribute to bad breath. Flossing helps eliminate this odor-causing build-up, leaving your mouth feeling and smelling fresh.
3. Fights gum disease:
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a condition that affects the gums and can lead to bad breath and tooth loss. Not only does flossing help to remove bacteria and plaque that irritate the gum tissues, but it also promotes blood flow to the tissue. This will improve the tissue's natural immune response and help healthy tissue to grow.
4. Improves Overall Health:
Your oral health is more closely linked to the health of the rest of your body than you think. Poor oral health has been linked to health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Flossing helps prevent these issues in the mouth by reducing the amount of bacteria, which helps prevent it from spreading to the rest of your body.
5. Saves Money:
Prevention is much cheaper than restorative dental care. Together with brushing, flossing everyday, you can prevent oral health issues from developing in the first place, which saves you money at the dentist.
Choosing the Right Dental Floss & How to Use it
Now that you’ve been convinced on the importance of why we should all be flossing daily, let's talk about choosing the right dental floss. Whether it's waxed, unwaxed, flavored, or unflavored, the most important thing is to find floss that fits your unique oral hygiene needs. For example, things like braces, permanent retainers, dental bridges, closely spaced teeth, or sensitive gums may require you use specialized floss options like dental tape, floss threaders, or orthodontic floss.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming. Don’t be discouraged if you have to try a few types before you find one that you’ll actually use everyday - and then keep it right next to your toothbrush (no cheating and hiding it in the dark corners of a drawer or cabinet)! Remember, regular flossing is more important than the type of floss you choose.
You’ve found your favorite floss, so now you’re ready to learn how to use it correctly. You may be surprised that there's a bit of technique involved to ensure you're getting the most out of your flossing routine.
Start by taking about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers, leaving an inch or two to work with. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and pointer fingers, and gently guide it between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Be sure to curve the floss around each tooth in a C shape to ensure you're getting all the gunk out. Don't forget to also gently floss below the gumline and behind the last tooth in each corner to remove plaque from those hard-to-reach areas.
A few quick tips to consider:
Be gentle; avoid snapping or forcing the floss between the teeth. Flossing too hard can hurt and cause damage to the delicate gum tissue.
Take your time when you floss. Rushing through the flossing process can cause you to skip teeth and lead to ineffective cleaning.
Make flossing as convenient as possible. Keep a travel-sized container of floss in your bag or car so that you can easily sneak in a quick flossing session when you're on the go. The easier it is to floss, the more likely you are to actually do it.
Consider using a water flosser. Although not a substitute for real floss, water flossers are great for people with braces, dental implants, or those who struggle to use regular floss.
How to Make Flossing Part of Your Routine
So, how can you make flossing a habit? Well, it's all about finding what works for you. Some people like to set a reminder on their phone or leave sticky notes in their bathroom as a visual cue. Others prefer to floss at the same time every day, like right before bed or first thing in the morning. Even positive reinforcement can go a long way, so maybe treating yourself to a small reward when you reach a flossing milestone (like flossing three days in a row, or everyday for a week) can help ensure it becomes a regular part of your routine!
And don't forget to give yourself some grace if you miss a day here and there. Forming a new habit takes time and patience! Adding flossing to your routine might seem like a hassle at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’ll feel like you’ve been doing it all along!
If you’ve avoided flossing, it’s never too late to start! As long as you still have teeth, you should be flossing them. Don’t forget, the family that flosses together, smiles together, so make sure you start teaching kids about the benefits of flossing too. As a general rule, once your child’s teeth are touching their neighbor(s), they need to floss too. Remember, flossing doesn’t just help prevent cavities, it’s important for gum health too.
After reading this, you’re keen to go get flossing (right)? Afterall, maintaining a strong and effective oral hygiene routine is an essential part of your overall health, and flossing plays a key role in keeping your smile bright and healthy. Once you make it a part of your daily routine, you won’t dream of not flossing. Your teeth will thank you for it!
If you have any questions on how to floss or need help choosing the right products for you, reach out to us at Lone Star Smiles; Dr. Stephanie Vera and our hygiene team will be happy to guide you on your flossing journey! We look forward to helping you develop lifelong, flossing habits and empowering you to achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve been dreaming about. Happy flossing, friends!
Dr. Stephanie Vera is a general dentist practicing in Murphy, Texas. She is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry and believes education and prevention are essential to a happy, healthy smile.
