Maintaining good oral hygiene means a healthy smile and overall well-being. While brushing your teeth twice daily is a must, flossing is often underestimated but plays a crucial role in preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
In this blog post, we will delve into the art of flossing and explore how to floss teeth in different ways to achieve optimal oral hygiene, promoting a bright and confident smile.
Why flossing matters
Flossing is a core component of any dental care routine. While brushing can effectively clean the surfaces of your teeth, it cannot reach the tight spaces between them. These interdental areas are havens for plaque and food particles, creating a breeding ground for nasty, harmful bacteria. Plaque buildup can lead to gum inflammation, cavities and even more severe dental issues if left untreated. Regular flossing helps remove this debris, ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy and are free from potential complications.
Preventing gum disease
Flossing plays a fundamental role in preventing gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is caused by plaque accumulation and bacteria along the gumline. As the bacteria multiply, the gums become inflamed and may bleed during brushing. Flossing regularly disrupts plaque formation, reducing the risk of gingivitis and helping to maintain healthy gums. Flossing can even reverse early gum disease in some cases, preventing it from progressing to more severe stages that can cause tooth loss.
Better oral health equals better overall well-being
The impact of good oral hygiene extends beyond just your teeth and gums. Studies have shown a possible connection between oral health and overall well-being. Poor oral hygiene may contribute to systemic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and respiratory issues. Flossing regularly helps protect your teeth and contributes to overall health and longevity.
Choosing the right dental floss
There are various types of dental floss available on the market, including waxed, unwaxed, flavoured and tape floss. The choice of floss depends on personal preference and individual oral health needs. Waxed floss slides easily between teeth and is less likely to fray, making it suitable for those with tight gaps. Unwaxed floss is a thinner option, ideal for people with little space between teeth. Flavoured floss can make the experience more enjoyable, encouraging regular flossing, especially for children. Dental tape, broader and flatter, helps those with wider gaps between teeth.
How to floss — the proper flossing techniques
If you’re unsure how to floss your teeth, follow these steps to achieve the best results:
- Start with around 45 centimetres of floss and wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the other middle finger.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving about an inch of floss to work with.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
- Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and carefully slide it beneath the gumline.
- Once the floss reaches the gumline, press it against the tooth and gently rub the side of the tooth with an up-and-down motion.
- Repeat this process for all teeth, using a clean section of floss for each one.
How often should I floss my teeth?
While brushing should be done at least twice daily, we recommend flossing once daily, preferably before bedtime. Nighttime flossing helps remove accumulated plaque and food particles from the day, reducing the risk of bacterial growth during sleep. However, if you find it challenging to incorporate flossing into your daily routine, even flossing three to four times a week can significantly improve oral health.
How to floss with braces or dental work
If you’re wondering how to floss with braces or other dental work like bridges or implants, it may be challenging but remains essential. Orthodontic appliances can create additional areas for plaque build-up, increasing the risk of decay and gum problems. Consider using a floss threader or interdental brush to clean between the wires and brackets. For dental work, such as bridges, dental picks or super floss can be effective in reaching beneath the artificial tooth. Super floss works with braces, bridges and gaps. It’s a spongy floss to clean around your appliances.
How to floss teeth — children’s guide
Instilling good oral hygiene habits in children is crucial for their dental health as they grow. However, many children find flossing uncomfortable or tedious. Consider using colourful floss sticks or floss picks designed for children to make flossing more enjoyable. Turn flossing into a fun and interactive activity by flossing together as a family or using a reward system for consistent flossing.
Seek professional guidance from the experts at No Gaps Dental
If you struggle with flossing or have specific dental concerns, do not hesitate to seek guidance from our dentists at No Gaps Dental. Our dentists can demonstrate the proper flossing technique, recommend the most suitable floss for your needs and address any individual challenges you may face. Regular dental check-ups, scales and cleans are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and complementing your flossing efforts.
Visit your local No Gaps Dental for a scale and clean today
Flossing is a fundamental aspect of oral hygiene that must not be overlooked. Now that you know how to floss, why not book your next dental appointment with No Gaps Dental for your next check-up, scale and clean? We’re here to help you maintain optimal oral health and enjoy a radiant smile for years to come. Let’s embrace the art of flossing and take charge of our dental well-being!