When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, brushing your teeth is only half the equation. Flossing plays an equally important role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Yet, many people skip this essential step in their oral care routine.
At Legacy Smiles, we believe in educating our patients on the importance of comprehensive oral care, which includes both brushing and flossing. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of flossing, its role in preventing gum disease, and dispel any myths about flossing and gum recession.
What Is Flossing?
Flossing is the process of cleaning between your teeth using dental floss, a thin string made of nylon or other materials. The purpose is to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria that brushing alone can’t reach. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth after eating, and if not removed, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
There are different types of dental floss, including waxed, unwaxed, flavored, and unflavored, as well as floss picks and water flossers. Each has its advantages, but the most important thing is finding a method that works best for you.
Why Do I Need to Floss?
It’s common to wonder why you need to floss especially if you already brush your teeth twice a day. However, flossing reaches areas your toothbrush can’t—primarily the tight spaces between your teeth and below the gumline. Here’s why it is so essential:
Removes Plaque Between Teeth
Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surface area of your teeth. Flossing targets the areas between teeth, where plaque can build up. Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. Over time, this buildup can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Prevents Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, begins when plaque accumulates around the gums, causing inflammation. Early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis, can cause symptoms like redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, a more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss.
Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles that can irritate the gums and lead to inflammation. By incorporating it into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease.
Prevents Cavities
Flossing reduces your risk of developing cavities between your teeth. Cavities can form when plaque is left to sit on the teeth, producing acid that breaks down the enamel. Because flossing removes the plaque in hard-to-reach areas, it plays a crucial role in preventing decay between teeth.
Improves Overall Oral Health
Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining not only a healthy smile but also overall well-being. Poor oral health has been linked to other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. By using floss regularly, you improve your oral health and reduce the risk of these systemic health issues.
Keeps Your Smile Looking Bright
Flossing doesn’t just benefit your oral health—it also helps keep your smile bright. Removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth prevents staining and discoloration, which can make your teeth look dull. Using floss regularly helps keep your teeth looking their best.
Can Flossing Cause Gum Recession?
A common concern many patients express is whether it can lead to gum recession. The short answer is: No, using floss properly does not cause gum recession. Flossing helps prevent gum recession by keeping your gums healthy. Gum recession occurs when the tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This condition is usually caused by factors such as:
- Gum disease: Inflammation from plaque buildup can cause the gums to recede.
- Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can damage the gums.
- Tobacco use: Smoking or using other tobacco products can weaken the gums, contributing to recession.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to gum recession due to their genetics.
- Teeth grinding: Clenching or grinding your teeth can put pressure on the gums, leading to recession.
Improper techniques, such as snapping the floss down hard into the gums, can irritate or damage the gum tissue, but when done correctly, it is beneficial for the health of your gums. At Legacy Smiles, we teach patients the proper flossing technique to ensure they’re protecting their gums while removing plaque effectively.
How to Floss Correctly
Flossing correctly is essential to avoiding gum irritation and reaping the benefits of this important oral care practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you floss the right way:
- Take about 18 inches of dental floss: Wrap most of it around each middle finger, leaving about two inches of floss to work with.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth: Be careful not to snap the floss into the gums. Instead, use a gentle back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between the teeth.
- Curve the floss around each tooth: Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Gently slide it up and down, going below the gumline. Repeat this process for the other tooth in the same gap.
- Use a clean section of floss: Move to a fresh section of floss as you progress to each new tooth to avoid spreading bacteria.
- Don’t forget the back teeth: Make sure to floss behind your back molars as well, as these teeth are often missed but can still harbor plaque and bacteria.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that you’re removing as much plaque and bacteria as possible without irritating your gums.
Additional Tips for Effective Flossing
While it may seem simple, there are a few additional tips that can make the process more effective and comfortable:
- Consider using a floss holder: If traditional flossing is difficult for you due to limited dexterity, a floss holder can make the process easier.
- Try a water flosser: Water flossers are devices that use a stream of water to clean between teeth. They can be especially helpful for individuals with braces or dental implants.
- Use the right floss: Depending on the spacing between your teeth, different types of floss may work better for you. Waxed floss can be easier to slide between tightly spaced teeth, while dental tape is broader and may work better for people with larger gaps.
At Legacy Smiles, we can help you choose the best floss tools for your needs and demonstrate proper technique during your dental visit.
The Importance of Flossing in Your Daily Routine
Flossing should be an essential part of your daily oral hygiene routine, alongside brushing and using mouthwash. While brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, flossing gets into the spaces that your toothbrush can’t reach, ensuring a thorough clean.
For best results, floss at least once a day, preferably before bed, to remove any food particles and plaque that have accumulated throughout the day. This will help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, ensuring long-term oral health.
Common Myths About Flossing
Let’s debunk a few common myths:
- Myth 1: Flossing isn’t necessary if you brush well.
Fact: Brushing alone can’t reach the tight spaces between teeth where plaque builds up. Flossing is essential for cleaning these areas. - Myth 2: Flossing is painful.
Fact: While flossing may cause slight discomfort if you’re not used to it, it shouldn’t be painful. If you’re experiencing pain, it could be a sign of gum disease, and you should consult our dentist. - Myth 3: Flossing can cause gaps between teeth.
Fact: Flossing does not cause gaps. In fact, it helps maintain healthy gums, which keep your teeth in place.
Conclusion
Flossing is a critical component of maintaining optimal oral health. It helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and even more serious health conditions linked to poor oral hygiene. By flossing daily, you can protect your teeth and gums for years to come.
At Legacy Smiles, we encourage all of our patients to make flossing a regular part of their dental care routine. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about flossing techniques and to receive personalized dental care.
