Flossing is a critical part of dental hygiene, yet many Australians often skip this step. According to the latest survey by the Australian Dental Association, a staggering 74% of Aussies rarely or never floss, while only 21% clean the space between their teeth daily.
While brushing gets most of the attention, flossing is equally essential to maintaining a healthy smile. If you neglect it, you may be leaving food particles and plaque between your teeth that can lead to bigger dental problems.
Our team at Munno Para Dental knows firsthand the importance of dental floss. Stay with us, and we will help you understand why flossing is so important and how to use dental floss properly.
Let’s get cracking!
Is Dental Floss Necessary
Let’s start with the most obvious question – is dental floss necessary?
The short answer is yes.
When you brush your teeth, you clean the areas that the toothbrush can reach, which is only about 60% of your teeth’s surface. However, even a good quality toothbrush can’t go between your teeth or under the gumline – the other 40% of your teeth’s surface.
Dental floss helps remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from these hard-to-reach areas. Without regular flossing, these particles can turn into tartar, which is much harder to remove and can lead to more problems.
Here’s a quick breakdown of this.
1. Prevents Gum Disease
Cleaning the area between your teeth with dental floss can help prevent gum disease. Gum disease starts when plaque builds up along your gum line. If this plaque isn’t removed in time, it can cause the gums to inflame, leading to gingivitis – the early stage of gum disease.
Signs of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. However, regular flossing helps remove the plaque before it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. This subtle yet effective oral hygiene habit can save you from costly and painful dental treatments.
2. Prevents Tooth Decay
When plaque is left to accumulate between the teeth, it can cause tooth decay. Cavities are more likely to form between your teeth, which your toothbrush can’t reach. However, you can remove the plaque and bacteria that lead to cavities with a proper flossing routine.
3. Fights Bad Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often caused by decaying food particles and bacteria in the mouth. If left between your teeth, food particles can break down and produce an unpleasant odour, which can be prevented with regular flossing.
4. Improves Overall Health
Studies have shown that gum disease can significantly increase the risk of other health issues, such as type 2 diabetes. Regular flossing reduces the risk of gum disease, which in turn helps protect your overall health. This mouth-body connection displays the importance of dental floss and its link to our general well-being.
How to Use Dental Floss Properly
Flossing might seem simple, but there is a correct way to do it.
So, how do you floss properly?
- Use About 45 cm of Floss: Break off a piece of floss about the length of your forearm. This allows you to wrap it around your fingers and have a clean section for each tooth.
- Hold It Correctly: Wrap most of the dental floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 5 cm to 8 cm of it to work with. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
- Slide It Gently: Carefully slide the floss between your teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion. Avoid snapping the floss into your gums, as this can cause bleeding and damage.
- Make a ‘C’ shape: Once the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a ‘C’ shape around one tooth and gently slide it under the gumline. Move the floss up and down to remove plaque and particles.
- Repeat On Each Tooth: Use a fresh section of dental floss for each tooth to avoid spreading bacteria.
What If You Can’t Use Traditional Dental Floss
If you find traditional dental floss tricky to use, you are not alone. For some people, using regular floss can be difficult, especially if they have braces, sensitive teeth and gums, or arthritis. If that’s the case, you can use other tools to make flossing easier.
- Floss Picks: These are small plastic picks that hold a short piece of floss. They are easy to use and can be a good option for people who struggle with regular dental floss.
- Water Flossers: Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, use a stream of water to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and along the gumline. They can be just as effective as regular dental floss in reducing plaque and gingivitis.
- Interdental Brushes: These small brushes are designed to clean between your teeth, particularly if you have larger gaps or are wearing braces. They can be a great alternative for people with braces or dental work like a crown.
How Often Should You Floss
Dentists and the ADA recommend flossing at least once a day. Ideally, you should floss before brushing your teeth so you can remove the plaque and food particles first. But instead of timing, focus on recognising the importance of dental floss.
Whether you choose to floss in the morning, evening, or after meals, be consistent. Regular flossing ensures that plaque doesn’t build up in hard-to-reach areas and that your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Also, don’t let any of the following myths stop you from flossing.
- Myth: Flossing makes my gums bleed, so I shouldn’t do it.
Fact: If your gums bleed when you floss, it’s a sign of inflammation caused by plaque buildup. With regular flossing, the inflammation should be reduced, and the bleeding should stop. However, if bleeding continues after a week or two of regular flossing, you should visit your dentist. - Myth: I don’t need to floss if I brush really well.
Fact: No matter how well you brush, you can’t reach between your teeth with a toothbrush alone. Flossing is necessary to clean these areas and remove plaque.
- Myth: I don’t need to floss because I use mouthwash.
Fact: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria, but it can’t physically remove the plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth. Flossing and brushing are necessary for a complete oral care routine.
Conclusion
Remember, flossing isn’t just an extra step; it is a simple yet powerful way to protect your oral health. Turning it into a daily habit can help you prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath while also improving your overall health. If you are unsure about how to use dental floss properly or need help finding the right one, don’t hesitate to ask us during your next visit.
At Munno Para Dental Clinic, we offer a wide range of services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, and restorative and cosmetic solutions. We are here to make your next dental visit as comfortable as possible.
Contact us to book your appointment.
