Brushing often takes front and center stage when we think about dental and oral hygiene. However, flossing teeth is just as important as brushing. Instead of looking at flossing as just an addition to brushing, consider it an equal step in your daily dental hygiene routine.<\/span><\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what you need to know about flossing, including how often you should floss and whether you can floss improperly. We\u2019ll also discuss the best flossing technique so that you do the job right.<\/span><\/p>\n
Flossing is a critical part of preventive dental care. The mouth is home to millions of bacteria. No matter how well you brush your teeth, bacteria, plaque, and food debris get trapped between them. Because floss goes between the teeth, it’s able to reach all the areas that your toothbrush can’t get to.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Flossing also helps to remove <\/span>plaque<\/span><\/a> from hard-to-reach areas. Removing plaque is important. If left on the teeth, plaque hardens and turns to tartar. Leaving plaque on your teeth and in your mouth can lead to all sorts of oral hygiene issues, including:<\/span><\/p>\n
Plaque can also cause gingivitis, known as early gum disease. This condition causes the gums to become red and swollen. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This condition destroys the bone and tissue that support the teeth. Weakened teeth are more likely to break or fall out.<\/span><\/p>\n
While flossing may seem like not a big deal, not flossing can have serious consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n
The <\/span>Canadian Dental Association<\/span><\/a> (CDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend flossing at least once per day. Doing so removes bacteria, plaque, and food debris. Daily flossing helps to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t
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Is it safe to floss multiple times a day? Yes, there\u2019s no harm in flossing more than once a day. However, instead of focusing on the number of times you floss, it\u2019s better to focus on how well you\u2019re flossing.<\/span><\/p>\n
Good flossing takes more than a few seconds. Quickly flossing several times throughout the day isn\u2019t doing much good. Chances are that you’re leaving plaque and bacteria behind. For best results, floss slowly and methodically.<\/span><\/p>\n
You want to floss at least once per day to ensure the area between your teeth is free of bacteria, plaque, and food debris. If you need to floss more often, that\u2019s okay as well.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Flossing with braces<\/a> can be tricky, especially if the floss gets stuck in your braces.<\/span><\/p>\n
For a smooth flossing experience:<\/span><\/p>\n
It takes a little time and practice to perfect flossing with braces, but eventually it becomes second nature.<\/span><\/p>\n
You may consider finding a <\/span>dentist near you<\/span><\/a> to provide in-person tips and tricks.<\/span><\/p>\n
The order in which you brush and floss isn\u2019t important. What is important is that you\u2019re thoroughly cleaning your teeth, including all the crevices.<\/span><\/p>\n
Research has found that it may be better to floss before brushing<\/a>. According to a <\/span>2018 study<\/span><\/a>, flossing loosens bacteria and debris between the teeth. Brushing afterwards helps to clean all those particles away.<\/span><\/p>\n
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At the end of the day, flossing first or brushing first are both acceptable. It all comes down to your personal preference.<\/span><\/p>\n
If you experience swollen, painful, or bleeding gums after flossing, you may be flossing too deeply.<\/span><\/p>\n
Applying too much pressure when flossing can cause the gums to bleed. Continuous over-flossing can severely damage the gum line. This can expose the tooth\u2019s root and lead to cavities and decay.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Flossing improperly, such as using a saw-like motion, is also problematic. Rough flossing can wear the tooth\u2019s enamel, which makes you more susceptible to gum disease.<\/span><\/p>\n
It\u2019s impossible to floss too much unless you\u2019re flossing incorrectly. In fact, some people need to floss more than once a day, especially after eating. Certain foods are more prone to getting stuck in the teeth and flossing is the best way to remove food debris.<\/span><\/p>\n
Unsure if you\u2019re flossing properly? Schedule a <\/span>dentist appointment<\/span><\/a> and ask for a demonstration during your next visit.<\/span><\/p>\n
Now that you know why flossing is important and how often you should floss, let’s discuss the right way to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n
By flossing properly once a day, you can have peace of mind that you\u2019re doing your part to protect your oral and dental health.<\/span><\/p>\n
Flossing cleans between the teeth. It helps to remove plaque, bacteria, and other debris, such as food particles. There are other interdental cleaning options, including:<\/span><\/p>\n
While you may prefer one option over the other, what\u2019s most important is that you find one you like and use it daily.<\/span><\/p>\n
Brushing and flossing at home is only one step in keeping your smile healthy. You will also want to schedule routine appointments with your dentist for preventative care. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth while also giving you a deep clean.<\/span><\/p>\n
Don\u2019t wait to get in the dentist\u2019s chair. <\/span>Find a dentist<\/span><\/a> and schedule an appointment today to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t