While most dental patients know flossing is a key component of an optimal oral hygiene routine, it's not always clear why, or how to make daily flossing an easy part of everyday life. Dental flossing can support your oral health and total-body wellness by preventing dental health concerns and keeping gum disease and tooth decay at bay. Neglecting to floss can lead to oral health concerns that have the ability to affect your complete health. Implementing proper flossing techniques and prioritizing daily dental floss is a step toward your healthiest smile at any age!
What is the Proper Flossing Technique?
Flossing involves using a thin, flexible thread or filament to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. This process helps remove plaque, food particles, and debris your toothbrush cannot reach.
Proper flossing at home involves gently moving the floss between your teeth, then curving it against the tooth surface. Move the floss up and down to dislodge any trapped particles. Addressing the gum line when flossing is also important, as this area is prone to plaque buildup and gum disease.
There are several types of floss available, each designed to meet different needs:
- Nylon (multifilament) floss: This common and inexpensive option consists of multiple twisted strands.
- PTFE (monofilament) floss: A single strand of floss that slides more easily between tight contacts.
- Waxed floss: Coated with a thin layer of wax to glide smoothly between teeth.
- Dental tape: A broader, flatter ribbon of floss that may be easier to use for some individuals.
- Flavored floss: Available in various flavors, such as mint or cinnamon, to make flossing more varied and enjoyable.
How Does Flossing Benefit My Oral Health?
Flossing regularly keeps your mouth healthy. It eliminates plaque from areas between teeth and near the gums, helping to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. This practice also stops cavities by removing food remnants and debris caught between teeth. Moreover, flossing stimulates your gums, enhancing blood flow and preventing gingivitis caused by inflamed gums. Additionally, flossing keeps your breath fresh by removing trapped food particles, making flossing a part of your daily routine benefits your dental health.
Flossing for Periodontal Health
Flossing is important for maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss and other serious health issues if left untreated.
The signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Teeth appear longer
- Continuous bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
How Flossing Can Reduce Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay results from bacterial acids in the mouth wearing down tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. Flossing removes food bits and plaque from spots your toothbrush misses, especially between teeth and the gums, and is critical in preventing decay.
- Regular flossing dislodges food particles and plaque, reducing the risk of acid production by bacteria
- Proper technique ensures effective cleaning without damaging the gums or enamel
- Daily flossing helps maintain a healthy balance of oral bacteria and prevents tartar buildup
How Often Should You Floss?
Dentists recommend flossing once daily, preferably before bedtime, to remove food particles and plaque buildup that brushing alone cannot reach. Daily flossing is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental issues. If you find it challenging to floss daily, aim for at least a few times a week and gradually increase the frequency until it becomes a habit.
Flossing and Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can result from food debris and plaque buildup. Flossing helps remove trapped particles and disrupt the bacterial colonies that cause bad breath. Flossing with proper technique can help banish bad breath, especially when paired with thorough rinses with antiseptic mouthwash, and staying adequately hydrated.
Flossing After Restorative Dental Treatment
Flossing is especially crucial after dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, or root canals. These treatments often leave areas around the treated teeth more susceptible to plaque buildup and potential complications. To ensure proper healing and long-term success, it's essential to floss carefully around any treated areas.
Gently guide the floss to avoid disrupting sutures or dislodging temporary restorations. Your dentist will provide follow specific instructions customized to your smile and your specific restorative procedure.
Flossing for Kids
Implementing proper oral hygiene habits at an early age helps to create a foundation of healthy smiles for kids. As soon as a child's teeth start to fit closely together, usually around the age of 2 or 3 years old, dentists recommend introduce flossing into their daily routine. Parents or caregivers should take the lead in flossing their child's teeth at this stage.
Tools for Easier Flossing
Flossing can be challenging to maintain or incorporate into daily oral hygiene habits. Fortunately, various flossing aids and tools are available to make the process easier and more effective, including:
- Floss picks or flossettes are disposable plastic tools with a short length of pre-threaded floss.
- Interdental brushes are small brushes designed to clean between teeth and are available in various sizes.
- Water flossers remove plaque and food particles.
- Floss holders or threaders assist individuals with limited dexterity or those who find it challenging to maneuver floss between their teeth.
Emphasize Regular Flossing for Your Best Oral Health
Flossing works as a tool for maintaining good oral health from wherever you are. Making flossing a daily habit can prevent oral health concerns, ensure fresh breath, and maintain a strong, confident smile. Contact your dentist for tips and guidance on the best flossing techniques and tools for your smile!