Are you curious about the flashy flossing tools you’ve seen lately in your social media feed? Searching the web for answers to age-old questions like, “Should I floss or brush teeth first?” Either way, this post is for you! Failure to floss can put your oral and heart health at risk, so let’s set the record straight. Keep reading to learn all about the proper tools and techniques, plus flossing benefits.
3 Reasons Why Flossing is Important
Flossing may seem like an optional extra step, but skipping it can lead to serious health issues. Here’s why it’s a must-do.
- Prevent gum disease and tooth decay: Is flossing necessary? Absolutely! When you don’t floss, food particles and plaque accumulate between your teeth. This buildup creates a perpetual breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to cavities, bad breath, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
- Protect your heart health: What flossing does isn’t just about a pretty smile. Studies suggest that gum disease and heart disease are linked. Bacteria from inflamed gums can enter your bloodstream and increase your risk of cardiovascular problems.
- Stop bleeding gums (for good!): If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, that’s a red flag! Bleeding gums is often a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. The good news? Regular flossing can help strengthen your gums and stop the bleeding over time.
One more word of advice: flossing is especially important for pregnant women as hormones can cause gum sensitivity and increase the risk of gingivitis. Preventative care and oral hygiene also becomes more critical as you age, so if you’re a senior, don’t skip the floss or your next checkup.
Pros and Cons of Common Flossing Tools
Not all flossing tools are created equal! Let’s break down the pros and cons of some popular options, so you can find the best fit for your smile.
- Traditional floss: Whether waxed or unwaxed, standard dental floss is the gold standard for effectiveness and affordability.
- Floss picks: Convenient and easy to use, but they don’t wrap around teeth as effectively as traditional floss.
- Waterpik (water flosser): Flossing vs. Waterpik — who wins? A Waterpik is great for people with braces, crowns, or dental work, but it may not remove plaque as well as regular floss. Our best advice is to use a water flosser as a secondary tool and your final nightly step to remove the tiniest of particles that may get left behind.
- Toothpicks & interdental brushes: Toothpicks aren’t a great flossing alternative, but interdental brushes work well for cleaning between larger gaps or around braces.
Have questions about which flossing tools are best for you?
Dr. Shah and the friendly team at Pleasant Dental are here to help care for your whole family!
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How to Floss Like a Pro
Flossing with the proper technique is key to reaping all the benefits. Here’s how to do it like a pro.
- Use enough floss. About 18 inches is perfect. Wrap it around your fingers, leaving a small section to work with.
- Be gentle. Glide the floss between your teeth and curve it into a C-shape against each tooth. Avoid snapping it into your gums. Adjust the floss as you go, so that you are using a fresh section with every few teeth.
- Don’t forget the back teeth. Yes, those hard-to-reach molars need love too!
- Make sure to brush too. Whether you brush or floss first, is up to you as long as you do both. For the record, we recommend that you floss first to dislodge any debris.
Flossing with a crown? Be extra gentle to avoid dislodging dental work. Flossing with braces? A flossing threader can help get floss under the wires with ease.
Answers to Your Dental Flossing FAQs
Let’s clear up some common flossing questions.
- Can flossing cause gum recession? No, but aggressive flossing can, so be gentle! A lack of oral hygiene can cause gum issues too.
- Is flossing once a day enough? Yes! Once a day is sufficient if done correctly. Twice per day is even better.
- Will flossing whiten teeth? Not directly, but it removes plaque and buildup, making your teeth look brighter.
- Can flossing remove plaque? Yes! It’s one of the best ways to remove plaque between teeth.
- Can flossing remove tartar? No. Only a dentist can remove plaque once it hardens into tartar.
- What if I’m out of floss? When in a pinch, you can use mouthwash as a temporary alternative to flossing. It’s not a replacement but can help rinse away most debris.
Flossing Tools are Key to a Healthy, Lasting Smile
The bottom line? Flossing is a small habit with big rewards. Protect your smile, overall health, and dental comfort by making it part of your daily routine!
Make sure to keep regular dental checkups and cleanings as part of your oral health care plan. Preventative care is the best (and most affordable!) way to keep your smile and teeth in tip-top shape.
Call Pleasant Dental TODAY and Schedule Your Next Appointment!
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