Is Flossing Really Necessary?

We’re all told by our dentist that we need to floss daily, but how many of us actually keep up with flossing? Every day? For a few weeks after seeing the dentist? A few days? Not at all? More of us may stick to a daily flossing regimen if we really knew the benefits and the best flossing techniques. Since oral health affects your overall health, it’s important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, which includes flossing. Let’s take a look at the full benefits of flossing your teeth, the best times to floss, and what your alternate options may be! 

The Benefits of Flossing

If you brush your teeth twice a day, why should you need to floss? Your teeth are clean, right? Unfortunately, brushing teeth, while still important, does not get your teeth completely clean. Flossing is an extra step to make sure that the spaces under your gums and between your teeth are also clean. 

But, do you really need to floss every day?

Yes! Flossing has many benefits for your teeth and gums, especially when it comes to removing plaque and preventing plaque buildup. What’s the issue with plaque? If left untreated, plaque can lead to tartar, a hard substance that only your dentist can remove. Left untreated, tartar can lead to gingivitis, progressing to periodontal disease. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease. It can also lead to tooth decay, tooth loss and bone loss.

Other benefits of flossing include:

 

Of course, flossing your teeth is only effective if it’s done properly. Follow these steps to make sure the spaces in between your teeth and your gums get a thorough cleaning:

  1. Select your preferred floss (waxed, flavored, single-strand, etc.).
  2. Pull about 18 inches of floss.
  3. Wrap the ends of floss around your index or middle fingers on both hands.
  4. Guide the floss between your teeth.
  5. Around each tooth, curve your floss angle and gently rub the floss up and down.
  6. Use a new section of the floss strand between each tooth.
  7. Use your floss to clean behind your very back teeth.
  8. Thoroughly rinse with mouthwash or water.

 

The Best Times to Floss Your Teeth

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing on a daily basis. As for the best time to floss, there is some debate among dentists on this issue. At present, there isn’t a definitive answer as to when you should floss, so long as you do floss. There is a school of thought that recommends flossing after brushing, while another favors the opposite. Finishing with mouthwash is recommended for either approach, however. As for morning or night, some dentists have different preferences, but flossing (at least once) along with brushing your teeth (twice) is what matters the most for maintaining good oral health.

Are There Alternatives to Consider?

If flossing teeth is something you struggle to accomplish, whether by incorporating it into your routine or the dexterity aspect of traditional flossing itself, there are other dental tools available. However, using non-dental tools (e.g., fingernails, paper, cutlery, safety pins, hair) to dislodge food particles stuck in your teeth can actually be very harmful to your teeth and gums. Talk about your flossing needs with your dentist, who can recommend the best alternative options.

Some of these alternatives to floss may include:

 

Keep Up With Your Oral Care

Flossing every day is important for improving and maintaining your overall health, but the best step you can take for your oral health is to see your dentist for semi-annual check-ups and cleanings. Visiting your dentist ensures your teeth are clean and that your mouth is carefully monitored for all potential oral health conditions. It’s also a great time to ask your dentist questions!

For regular checkups and a wide range of other dental services, visit NK Family Dental in Chicago! Our professional staff, including Dr. Nilofer Khan and Dr. Waeil Elmisalati, have the training, experience and compassion to provide the best oral care. Book your next appointment with us today!

Is it Really that Important to Floss?

Flossing is an important step to full oral hygiene. However, many people tend to slack when it comes to daily flossing—if they even floss at all. It may seem tedious to floss every night, but it can be a very quick process once you are in the habit of it. Routine flossing can save you from major oral problems down the road. Let’s look at the benefits of flossing, how to avoid discomfort and how to make flossing just another regular step in your oral care routine.

Benefits of Flossing

You may have heard before from your dentist that flossing can reduce your risk for developing gingivitis and other gum disease. But how much does it really matter? The truth is, flossing matters a whole lot.

Bacteria buildup is what causes gum diseases like gingivitis, and bacteria that builds up in your mouth from small food particles stuck in your teeth can cause serious damage. Plaque, which forms as a result of poor oral hygiene, can have more than one thousand types of bacteria that reside in your mouth. This bacteria can also lead to cavities, particularly in places that don’t get as clean from brushing alone—such as between the teeth. Not to mention, a lack of flossing can lead to halitosis, which is the medical term for bad breath and is also caused by bacteria.

At its most severe, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which causes bacteria from your mouth to travel throughout your body, affecting vital functions such as your cardiovascular system. Individuals with diabetes are especially susceptible to developing periodontal disease, and pregnant women with periodontal disease increase their risk of delivering low-weight newborns.

Adding flossing to your oral care routine can drastically decrease your risk for all of these conditions. A simple extra minute or two a day can save you from stress and discomfort later on.

How to Avoid Bleeding Gums and Pain When Flossing

If it’s been a while since you last flossed your teeth, there’s a higher chance you may experience some bleeding and irritated gums when you do. This can be a deterrent for people to keep up regular flossing. However, gums that quickly become inflamed or bleed easily are likely experiencing bacteria buildup, which means you are in even more need of flossing. Don’t be too deterred by bleeding and slightly irritated gums when you first try flossing again. The best way to avoid bleeding gums and pain when flossing is to keep up a regular flossing routine, as your gum health will soon improve over time. If pain and bleeding persist, however, talk to your dentist about causes and treatment.

How to Make Flossing a Part of Your Daily Routine

It may seem tedious to remember to floss your teeth every day, but very soon, it won’t even require a second thought. The best time to floss is at night, immediately after brushing your teeth and right before you go to bed. This guarantees that all food particles built up throughout the day will be cleared out and won’t have the opportunity to build up harmful bacteria overnight.

Your daily routine should look something like this:

  1. Brush in the morning for two minutes with an antimicrobial fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Use a therapeutic mouthwash.
  3. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
  4. Avoid unnecessary snacks.
  5. Brush your teeth at night in the same way as the morning.
  6. Floss thoroughly with a waxed floss, holding the floss around each tooth in a curved shape while moving back and forth while also up and down between teeth.
  7. Use mouthwash again.
  8. Get a good night’s rest and start again!

 

Additionally, keep your floss within sight at your bathroom sink to make sure you don’t forget. It may also be helpful to carry around floss or a handful of dental flossers with you during the day, as well. You never know when you might eat something that gets stuck between your teeth!

Keeping Your Mouth Clean

While daily flossing is an essential part to a good oral hygiene routine, it’s even more important to make semi-annual visits to the dentist. Your dentist will be able to check for any potential signs of gum disease and other oral health conditions. Additionally, a dentist will be able to provide and advise you on ongoing treatment options.

Visit NK Family Dental for you and your family’s Chicago dentist needs. If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, contact us to schedule your next appointment!