When it comes to taking care of your teeth, most of us know that brushing twice a day is a must. But what many people don’t realize is that flossing is just as important! Many people overlook the importance of flossing, but regular flossing can actually improve your oral health in a number of ways.
What is Flossing?
Flossing is the process of using a thin, flexible thread to clean between your teeth and remove food particles and plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before you go to bed at night. And trust that it’s worth the extra effort! Regular flossing can actually improve your oral health in several ways.
For starters, it helps remove plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing also helps prevent tartar buildup, which is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dentist. If left unchecked, tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Yikes!
But that’s not all. Flossing also helps reduce the risk of gum disease by removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and gums. Plus, it can improve bad breath caused by food particles and bacteria that get stuck between your teeth. And if that’s not enough, good oral health has also been linked to better overall health, including reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
So, how do you floss properly?
First, make sure you’re using enough floss (about 18 inches) and hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion, curving the floss around each tooth and making sure to go beneath the gum lines.
Be sure to use a clean section of floss for each tooth and use a gentle, C-shaped motion to clean the sides of each tooth.
After flossing rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after flossing to remove any loosened plaque or debris.
If you’re new to flossing, here are some tips to make it easier.
- Use Wax-Coated Floss: Wax-coated floss is easier to slide between teeth and less likely to get stuck or break.
- Use Floss Picks: Floss picks are small, disposable tools with a short piece of floss attached. They can be easier to use than traditional floss.
- Be Gentle: Flossing should be gentle and should not cause pain or bleeding. If your gums bleed when you floss, it could be a sign of gum disease or that you’re flossing too hard. Be sure to floss gently and if you experience bleeding or pain, talk to your dentist.
- Make it a Habit: Flossing should be part of your daily oral hygiene routine, just like brushing your teeth. Make it a habit and you’ll be more likely to do it regularly.
- Use the right type of floss: There are several types of floss available in the market, including waxed, unwaxed, flavored, and unflavored. Choose the type that you are comfortable with and that works best for you. If you have braces or other orthodontic appliances, you may want to use a special type of floss designed for those situations.
- Don’t forget the back teeth: Many people tend to neglect their back teeth when flossing, but they are just as important as your front teeth. Make sure to floss between all your teeth, including your molars and premolars.
- Make flossing fun: Flossing can seem like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be boring! Listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook while you floss to make the time pass quickly. Or, make it a family activity and floss together with your kids or spouse.
- Consider a water flosser: If you find traditional flossing difficult or uncomfortable, consider using a water flosser. This device uses a stream of water to clean between your teeth and can be a great alternative for those with braces or sensitive gums.
- Don’t rely solely on mouthwash: While mouthwash can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, it should not replace flossing. Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath, but it can’t remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth like flossing can.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Even with regular brushing and flossing, it’s still important to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can help catch any potential oral health issues early and provide personalized advice on how to improve your oral hygiene routine.
In summary, flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health. By using the right type of floss, flossing all your teeth, making it fun, considering alternative options like water flossers, not relying solely on mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. So, make it a priority to floss daily and your smile will thank you!
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