The Hidden Benefits of Flossing

Several people often forget to floss their teeth after brushing. They do not find flossing important and they certainly lose out on the benefits of flossing. The truth is that healthy teeth can be achieved by proper oral care plus the benefits of flossing and brushing. According to many dentists, flossing is far more important than brushing as it helps in preventing periodontal disease and tooth loss. So if you want to profit from flossing, stop the excuses and do not forget to floss after you brush your teeth each day.

Dentists have found out that many people tend to forget or have all sort of excuses for them not to floss their teeth. Like many people, do you also fail to floss your teeth or always have an excuse not to? If so, dentists have provided some easy tips for you to benefit from flossing. Below are some tips you can follow and learn more about the benefits of flossing.

Tip #1: If food doesn’t get caught between your teeth, you will still need to floss.

Flossing is not just about removing debris stuck between your teeth but also removing dental plaque which forms on the tooth surfaces. Using an interdental cleaner and flossing is the only way to remove plaque in between teeth.

Tip #2: Learn how to floss.

Flossing isn’t easy but practice makes perfect. Some say it is the most difficult kind of personal grooming there is.

Tip #3: Find time to floss.

Actual flossing does not take much time. Once a day between 3 to 5 minutes can do wonders for your oral health. The key factor here is for you to make flossing a part of your daily habit. Just like taking a bath and exercising, flossing can improve your personal hygiene.

Tip #4: Do not be afraid to floss.

If flossing causes you gum pain or bleeding, odds are that you have gingivitis or gum disease. This is why flossing will be a plus for you. With daily brushing and rinsing, flossing can help alleviate gum pain and bleeding. If it persists, then you will need to see your local dentist.

Tip #5: Do not worry about your teeth being spaced apart. 

If unwaxed floss does not work for your teeth, then you might want try waxed floss or floss made of super-slippery polytetrafluoroethylene. Many people have spaces between their teeth but that must not be a hindrance for them to floss. There are special types of floss like “superfloss” which is a yarn like floss suitable for teeth with spaces in between. ” It stretches between thin or narrow spaces yet fluffs out to clean in between teeth that spaced apart.

Tip #6: Floss gently yet effectively.

In some cases, if you have undergone dental work, floss threaders are used to easily position floss around dental work. Meanwhile, other people might use fraying floss for those with poorly made fillings or crown. If the problem persists, then you might need to consult with your dentist.

- Dr. Joe Kim
Evergreen Family Dental
Mill Creek, WA