Flossing is an essential step toward protecting your oral health. It takes only a few minutes out of your busy day and helps you achieve cleaner, healthier teeth.
However, many patients do not floss regularly. Dentists and hygienists want to encourage these patients to consider the benefits they could be missing. This blog provides a complete, step-by-step guide to flossing your teeth to promote better oral health.
Advantages of Regular Flossing
While many patients skip flossing, they may miss out on these impressive benefits:
- Helps prevent tooth decay by removing harmful plaque and food particles trapped between teeth
- Protects against bad breath
- Lowers your risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease, a condition that causes tooth loss if it is left untreated
- Lowers lifetime dental costs by reducing cavities and gum disease
Why Patients Don’t Always Floss
Patients sometimes believe that flossing their teeth is too difficult or that they don’t have time. Here are a few of the reasons why patients skip flossing and solutions to these problems.
Flossing Takes Too Long
When you are out of practice flossing your teeth, it may take a few minutes longer. Once you have a personal routine, you can complete the job quickly and efficiently. Taken together, brushing and flossing should take less than ten minutes from your busy day.
Flossing Makes Gums Bleed
Some patients think that bleeding gums mean they have flossed too aggressively or that flossing damages their gums.
The reverse is true: if your gums bleed when you floss, it is even more important to start a healthy habit. You may be developing signs of gingivitis or a more advanced form of gum disease.
Flossing is Uncomfortable
Some patients find flossing uncomfortable. They may not be able to manipulate the floss by hand. They may feel uneasy about putting their hands in their mouths. Floss may shred between their teeth if they have tight contacts.
Fortunately, traditional floss is not the only way to keep teeth clean. Pre-threaded picks are excellent for children and others who do not feel comfortable with standard floss. Water flossing machines provide a viable alternative. If floss routinely becomes stuck between your teeth, you may benefit from a tape or ribbon-style product.
A Detailed Guide to Flossing Teeth
- Step 1: Use about 18 inches of floss and wrap it gently around your middle fingers.
- Step 2: Hold the floss between your index finger and thumb. Leave a two-inch section in between.
- Step 3: Slide the middle section of floss between the teeth, guiding the floss with your thumbs.
- Step 4: Use a gentle forward and back motion to floss between your teeth.
- Step 5: To reach the gum line, hold the floss in a C-shape. Carefully slide the floss down and below the gum line.
- Step 6: Each time you change teeth, wind the floss to a new section to avoid transferring debris.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flossing Teeth
When should I start flossing my child’s teeth?
Floss your child’s teeth when they begin to touch each other. The primary teeth typically reach this stage at about four to five years. Flossing your child’s teeth can be challenging at first and requires a careful, gentle introduction. Floss for your child until they are seven to eight years old and then supervise the process afterward. Children often benefit from floss picks, which you can find in different colors and flavors.
How can I stop my gums from bleeding when I floss?
If your gums bleed when you floss, visit your dentist to find out whether you have gingivitis or gum disease. Start with a professional cleaning and create a daily flossing routine. Your condition should soon improve, with less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort when you floss.
Gingivitis is often fully reversible if you pay close attention to oral hygiene, including daily flossing. If gum disease progresses past gingivitis, you can only control the condition, not reverse it.
Call Chagrin Falls Dental
Even if you have not flossed regularly in the past, it’s never too late to start. We would be glad to see you in our office for a professional cleaning and examination. Our hygienists provide expert flossing tips and can help you solve individual issues. Please call our Chagrin Falls, OH, office at 440-247-8641 to schedule your appointment today.