Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Flossing is an essential part of any oral hygiene routine, yet it is often the most overlooked. Regular flossing can remove food particles and plaque from between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach, helping to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
In this blog, we’ll give you a step-by-step explanation of how to floss, as well as some tips to make the process easier and more effective.
Table of Contents
Why Flossing is Important
Flossing does more than just get rid of food stuck between your teeth. It’s a crucial defense mechanism against periodontal disease and reduces the risk of gum disease. By incorporating flossing into your daily oral care routine, you’re not only working towards healthier teeth but also combating bad breath.
Is Flossing “Really” Necessary?
Ok, we know we are always telling you to floss because it’s important in preventing cavities, but we all know that one person who never flosses and has no cavities.
Why can some people do everything right and still get cavities, while others only brush, never floss, rarely go to the dentist and still have no cavities?
It all comes down to genetics. While daily brushing and flossing is crucial in preventing cavities and gum disease, some people may be more prone to them due to their genetic makeup.
So even though that lucky guy or gal doesn’t have any cavities or plaque build up, it’s still important to brush and floss regularly to maintain good oral health. Just because they don’t have any issues now, doesn’t mean they won’t have any in the future.
Oral hygiene isn’t just about preventing cavities, it’s also about maintaining overall health.
Poor oral health has been linked to serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia. So while you may feel like skipping flossing is no big deal, the long-term consequences can be significant.
What Order Should You Brush and Floss?
This is a question we get asked a lot! But there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this.
The most important thing is that you are flossing at least once a day and that you are using the correct method.
At our office, we make recommendations based on your individual needs. Our personalized homecare plans are designed to help you achieve optimal oral health based on your current dental health status. What we recommend for you, might not be what we recommend for someone else.
Choosing the Right Type of Floss
The dental aisle is filled with a variety of flossing products, from traditional dental floss, floss picks and water flossers.
- Traditional dental floss: Comes in waxed and unwaxed forms. Waxed floss is easier to slide between closely spaced teeth, while unwaxed floss is thinner and can be better for tight spaces.
- Water flosser: A handheld device that uses a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque. Ideal for those with braces or dental bridges.
- Floss picks: Convenient for flossing with one hand, great for kids or for on-the-go use.
- Interdental brushes: Small, cone-shaped or cylindrical shaped brushes for cleaning between teeth and around dental work, like braces or bridges.
- Floss at the end of a handle: This is best for all kids and any adults that have difficulty flossing the traditional way. Dr. Davis and his team give all kids this kind of floss.
Step-by-Step Guide to Flossing
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to ensure you’re flossing correctly:
- Cut the right length: Tear off about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of the floss around each of your middle fingers, leaving about an inch or two to work with.
- Hold it tight: Grip the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers.
- The right technique: Guide the floss gently between your teeth using a rubbing motion. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Tooth to tooth: Move from tooth to tooth, unwinding fresh floss from one finger and winding used floss around the other finger.
Tips for Effective Flossing
- Gentleness is key: Forcing the floss can cause damage to the gums. Be gentle and take your time.
- Don’t skip teeth: Make sure you’re flossing between all your teeth, even the hard-to-reach ones in the back of your mouth.
- Consider the type of floss: If you have tighter spaces between your teeth, consider using thinner, waxed floss or a water flosser.
- Make it a routine: Floss at least once a day. The best time is before bed so that you remove food particles and plaque accumulated throughout the day. If you make it a habit, it will become second nature in no time. Getting oxygen under the gum tissue is essential to preventing bad bacteria from congregating under the gums.
Power Road Dental Care – Your Partners in Oral Health
Flossing may seem like a tedious task, but it’s an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. By flossing daily and using the proper techniques, you can prevent tooth decay, gum disease and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
Our mission is to provide the best dental care possible, tailored to the individual needs of each patient. If you are searching for a dentist in Mesa, AZ, look no further than Power Road Dental Care. We offer comprehensive dental services for the entire family, and our experienced team is dedicated to providing comfortable and personalized care to each patient.
If you are in the East Valley and are searching for ‘dental exam near me’ or ‘dentist in Mesa, AZ’, we can help. To book an appointment, call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online booking form.