To Floss or Not to Floss? The Must-Read Real Deal About Flossing

In 2016, about 30% of Americans said they flossed daily. 32% of people said they never floss.

So what's your answer when you sit in the dentist's chair and they ask if you've been flossing? Do you freeze or smile proudly ? Is flossing important?

Flossing comes highly recommended by dentists and healthcare professionals. But why do so many people not floss? Is it lack of time? Do they not think it's necessary?

If you've ever wondered what's the point of flossing, keep reading to see how flossing can affect the overall health of your mouth!

What is Flossing?

Flossing is the act of using dental floss to clean the small spaces between your teeth. Dental floss is available at nearly all drug stores or even your local dental office.

Many different methods exist on how to floss. Instead of traditional dental floss, there are now a few different options.

• Water flossing with a water sprayer designed specifically for the small crevices between teeth
• Floss picks, for those who have difficulty using traditional floss
• Air floss is a machine that uses air and water to effectively remove plaque and other debris from your teeth

While some of these methods might seem pricey at first, in the long run, keeping your teeth as clean as possible is worth it.

7 Reasons You Need to Start Flossing Today

If you're really curious about how important it is to floss, here are seven reasons to reconsider bringing flossing back into your routine.

Brushing Plus Flossing Equals Healthier Teeth

Some people believe you can get away with simply brushing your teeth and keeping the floss tucked behind other things in the medicine cabinet.

Unfortunately, this is not true. A toothbrush's job is to clean the outside of the teeth; it cannot reach the small, tight spaces between the teeth. For this, you need floss, as it is thin and can properly fit between the hard-to-reach spaces.

Flossing and brushing together produce a healthier mouth than brushing alone.

Protection From Gum Disease

in 2010, an estimated half of Americans had gum disease or otherwise known as periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums, and it happens from excessive plaque buildup. It begins with the onset of gingivitis, which is an inflation of the gumline.

Signs of gingivitis are:

• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums after brushing or eating
• Tender gums that hurt to brush or touch

Gingivitis can be reversed with dentists instructions. This will probably include a routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Cutting out smoking and eating a wide variety of healthy foods can also contribute to getting rid of gingivitis.

If left unchecked, gingivitis is a downward spiral to periodontal disease or more severe problems.

Fresher Breath

There are over 1,000 bacteria in dental plaque. Bacteria are typically the source for bad breath. When these bacteria are not removed properly, you suffer from bad breath.

Flossing helps extract that extra plaque that brushing alone cannot reach, resulting in fresher breath.

Prevention, Prevention, Prevention

One of the best statements your dentist can tell you is that you have no cavities.

This is true if you've been flossing!

Cavities are small holes that form in your teeth because of - you guessed it - plaque buildup. Without flossing, plaque eats away at the enamel in your teeth causing a cavity. Having a cavity filled is no fun, and it could be costly.

Reduces Tartar Build-Up

Tartar, at its basic level, is hardened plaque, and it's very dangerous to the health of your teeth. When tartar sits on your gum line it puts you at risk for gingivitis.

Because tartar is hard, brushing and flossing are not as effective at keeping your teeth healthy. Tartar cannot be removed at home but must be dealt with at your dentist office.

Heart Health

At first, you wouldn't think that oral care could lead to anything other than diseases of the mouth, right?

Not necessarily!

Having a healthy mouth benefits many other parts of the body, including your heart. When plaque and bacteria are left unchecked, there's a possibility it could affect your blood vessels and cause inflammation or blood clots. Flossing keeps the plaque in check.

Currently, there's no evidence that suggests heart disease is caused by bad oral hygiene, but there is some overlap of habits people develop (like smoking) that lead to both oral and heart damage.

Save Some Cash

Flossing can save you money? It's true!

Preventative dental care is a great way to stay out of the dentist's chair as much as possible. When you're taking great care of your teeth, brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and having twice-a-year checkups, you're less likely to need any serious work done, like filling a cavity.

Ok - I'll Do It. How Often Should I Floss?

So you're ready to pull out the floss (or air floss!), and reap the benefits that come with flossing!

But how often should you floss? Experts vary, but the general consensus is that you should brush and floss after every meal to avoid bacteria and plaque build up in your teeth.

How Do I Floss Well?

Knowing how to floss is important! Here are some steps to help when using traditional floss:

1. Take a piece of floss (about 18 inches), and tie it loosely around both index fingers.

2. Using your thumbs, push upward on the floss to keep it nice and steady, creating a small amount of floss that will slide between your teeth.

3. Do not floss in a saw-like motion, but up and down to remove plaque.

4. When you're finished, discard floss in the trash.

Flossing: You Can Do It!

Flossing plays an important role in your dental hygiene and in the health of your mouth. In reality, it takes only about a minute to do, but the results are worth it. How can you incorporate this vital practice in your oral routine today?

At Broadway Cosmetic Dentistry PC, we want you to have the healthiest smile possible, and offer a variety of dental services. Visit our website to learn how we can better assist you.