The Importance of Flossing

By Dr. Nick Wentworth

Oral hygiene is often considered synonymous with brushing your teeth, but a truly healthy mouth requires more than just a toothbrush. Flossing, an often neglected practice, is as essential to oral health as brushing.

Why Flossing Matters

Brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, but it cannot reach the tight spaces between teeth and below the gumline. With the lack of flossing, harmful plaque and food particles accumulate, creating an environment ripe for bacteria. Over time, this buildup can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Plaque and tartar are the main culprits behind gum disease and tooth decay.

Flossing removes debris and plaque from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. By cleaning these hidden spaces, flossing helps prevent cavities from forming between teeth and reduces the risk of gingivitis and more advanced gum disease known as periodontitis. These conditions can lead to painful gums, tooth loss, and even affect your overall health. Studies have shown links between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Maintaining healthy gums through flossing is not just about your mouth—it’s about your whole body.

More Benefits

Regular flossing does more than just prevent disease. It contributes to fresher breath by removing decaying particles that can cause odor. Flossing also enhances the effectiveness of your brushing routine and can help your smile shine brighter. For those with dental work such as braces, bridges, or crowns, flossing is especially crucial to prevent bacteria from accumulating around these fixtures.

 

Tips for Effective Flossing

·         Use enough floss: Break off about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving an inch or two to work with.

·         Be gentle: Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle up and down motion, not a sawing motion.

·         Follow the curve: When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Slide it gently into the space between the gum and the tooth.

·         Clean both sides: Move the floss up and down against the side of each tooth.

·         Don’t forget the gums: Many people miss the gumline or stop at the first sign of bleeding while flossing. Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation caused by plaque, and regular gentle flossing can help heal this.

·         Choose what works for you: If traditional floss is difficult to use, consider floss picks or interdental brushes, especially for braces or bridges.

·         Make it a habit: Floss once a day, ideally before brushing, to maximize the removal of debris and plaque.

 

Making Flossing Part of Your Routine

If flossing feels like a chore, try incorporating it into a daily habit, such as before bed. Pair it with something enjoyable, like listening to music or a podcast. Encourage children to start early—good habits formed young often last a lifetime.

Flossing is a simple yet powerful tool to combat dental problems. It protects your teeth, preserves your gums, and can even contribute to your general health. Make flossing part of your oral hygiene routine—your mouth, and your body, will thank you.