When your dentist asks you, “how often do you floss?” do you cringe because you’re not proud of the answer? If so, you’re not alone! While most dental patients know they should floss, many either forget to floss or simply have a hard time developing the habit. Your dentist won’t be mad at you for forgetting to floss; it is not their place to judge. If you haven’t been flossing, you can be honest with your dentist. Then, they can at least answer any questions you have about flossing and give you some specialized tips that make flossing easier.
You may also have an easier time remembering to floss if you understand why it’s so important – and what it really does for your teeth and gums. That’s what we’ll discuss here.
What Does Flossing Do?
When you chew, tiny bits of food end up between your teeth. Even if you can’t see chunks of food between your teeth, there is almost certainly some sugary residue left behind in these areas. Oral bacteria, which are bacteria that live in your mouth, feed on these left-behind sugars. The combination of leftover sugars, bacteria, saliva, and the secretions of the bacteria forms a sticky substance called plaque.
If you’ve ever run your tongue over your teeth after not having brushed in a while, you’ve probably noticed a sort-of fuzzy feeling. That fuzzy feeling is plaque buildup on the surface of your teeth. Plaque also forms between your teeth, and flossing is a way to remove it.
Isn’t Brushing Your Teeth Enough?
It is really important to brush your teeth twice a day because doing so removes plaque from the surface of your teeth. The bristles of your toothbrush may reach partway into the spaces between your teeth, but they don’t go a very good or thorough job of cleaning in this area. That’s why you have to floss in addition to brushing. Brushing cleans the surface, and flossing cleans in between your teeth.
Why is Removing Plaque so Important?
As we mentioned above, plaque contains oral bacteria and the waste products those oral bacteria secrete after eating sugar. This bacterial “poop” is acidic. And over time, acid can cause all sorts of damage to your teeth and gums. It can cause your teeth to begin decaying and developing cavities. It can also lead to thinning of the enamel, which will make your teeth really sensitive to hot and cold foods – not to mention, increasingly prone to cavities in the future.
The bacteria in plaque can also be a threat to your gums. They can cause a condition called gingivitis, which is an infection of the gums and the first stage of gum disease. While gingivitis is easy to treat with good dental hygiene, it can progress to a more serious form of gum disease if left untreated. This form of gum disease, known as periodontitis, can cause pockets to form between your teeth and gums. More bacteria get caught in those pockets, which makes the condition increasingly hard to treat. In its later stages, periodontal disease can also lead to loose and lost teeth.
So, your best bet really is to remove plaque from between your teeth before you end up with cavities, thin enamel, or gum disease. Plus, if you remove plaque daily, it won’t get the chance to harden into tartar, which only your dentist can safely remove.
What if Your Gums Bleed When You Floss?
Sometimes, a patient will tell us they stopped flossing because it made their gums bleed. Unfortunately, if your gums are bleeding, that really means you need to improve your flossing game! Bleeding gums are one of the first signs of gingivitis. If you stop flossing because you see a little blood, the gingivitis could continue to get worse.
If your gums bleed a bit when you floss, make sure you stick with flossing daily. Also start using an antiseptic mouthwash after you brush and floss. This should help kill the oral bacteria that are causing the gingivitis. If your gums don’t stop bleeding within a week or two, see your dentist. You may need to have some tartar removed from your gumline in order to clear up the infection and stop the bleeding.
Can You Use Mouthwash Instead of Flossing?
Antiseptic mouthwash is a good addition to most oral hygiene routines. If you forget your dental floss or run out, it is better to use mouthwash than to use nothing at all. However, mouthwash should not be treated as a replacement for flossing. If you have a lot of plaque between your teeth, the mouthwash may not penetrate deep enough to remove it and truly clean your gum tissues. If you want to use mouthwash, do so after flossing, and not as an alternative to flossing.
What if Flossing is Too Hard?
If you find flossing difficult, you’re not alone. Some people, especially those whose teeth are really close together, struggle to manipulate the floss into the gaps between their teeth. Others have trouble reaching into the back of their mouth to floss between their molars. If these struggles sound all too familiar, here are some tips that may make flossing easier for you:
- Use waxed floss or synthetic floss, which is less likely to get caught between your teeth.
- If your teeth are really close together, look for floss labeled “extra thin.”
- Try using dental picks instead of floss. Some people find them easier to maneuver.
- Look in the mirror while flossing to ensure you’re directing the floss into the right spots.
- Floss at the end of the day when you have more time to be patient, rather than in the morning when you’re trying to rush out the door.
If you struggle to floss even after following these tips, then talk to your dentist during your next checkup and cleaning visit. Some people have an easier time using a Waterpik instead of flossing. This tool shoots a high-powered stream of water into the space between your teeth, which removes plaque quite effectively. It’s not right for every patient, but it can be a good choice for some.
Your dentist reminds you to floss because they want what’s best for you. Daily flossing removes plaque from between the teeth, which helps prevent gum disease, the formation of tarter, and the development of cavities. Follow the tips above to make flossing easier, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist if you have any other questions or concerns. Contact Orange City Modern Dentistry if you’re looking for a new dentist in Florida. Our friendly hygienists and dentists would be happy to help you develop a better oral hygiene routine.