We’ve all had our dentist tell us about the importance of flossing every day. Part of us knows we should be flossing every day, and after every dental appointment, we tell ourselves that from now on, we will!
But there’s also a part of us that wonders – is flossing really necessary? Do I really need to do it every day? The simple answer, of course, is yes! Flossing is an integral part of an effective oral health routine, but just why is that?
The Importance of Flossing
Flossing removes food debris and plaque buildup in those hard-to-reach spots between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t get to. If this plaque isn’t properly removed on a daily basis, it will eventually harden and lead to calculus or tarter buildup. This calculus and tarter buildup can then cause gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, and even contribute to systematic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Four Steps to Effective Flossing
Now that we understand just why it is so important to floss every day, we need to ask, What is the most effective way to floss? The American Dental Hygienists’s Association recommends these four easy steps to proper flossing:
- Wind: Wind 18 inches of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a one- to two-inch length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.
- Guide: Keep a one- to two-inch length of floss taut between fingers. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.
- Glide: Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. Do not snap floss between your teeth. Contour floss around the side of the tooth.
- Slide: Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.
Tips to Encourage Flossing
Knowing why flossing is important and how to do it properly is great information to have, but what if you just can’t remember to? The best way to remember to floss is to set a specific time of day to do it. Choose a time of day when you have a few extra minutes to spare and won’t feel rushed. For some, flossing in the morning after breakfast is the most convenient time. For others, mornings are too rushed and flossing right before bed is what works best. Some people even floss while they are watching TV in the evenings!
Dealing with Flossing Issues
Some people just find flossing to be too difficult or uncomfortable, so they skip it altogether. Standard floss can be difficult to maneuver or painful to wind around the fingers, but fortunately there are alternatives available. Wooden plaque removers, dental picks, and pre-threaded flossers are all convenient low-cost replacements to regular floss, and are the preferred flossing tool for many. You can also experiment with different kinds of dental floss, such as waxed, unwaxed, thick, and flavored.
The time of day you floss and what type of floss you use is not the most important aspect of flossing, though. Whatever method you prefer is the method best for you. The most important aspect of flossing is just doing it, every day!
Let’s Get Flossing!
Thinking Outside the Box: Alternative Types of Floss
Want to Start Flossing Regularly? Find the Best Floss for You
Please keep in mind that you may experience some slight discomfort when you first begin to floss regularly, but that should ease up within a week or two. However, if you are experiencing persistent pain or bleeding when you floss, please make an appointment with Dr. Wolnik, or contact us:
Address
6363 York Rd, Ste 202
Parma Heights, OH 44130
Phone
(440) 888-5055
Email
[email protected]
Office Hours
Monday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Friday: 7:30am – 1:00pm