page contents

You Need to Floss!

Let's face it, nobody puts flossing at the top of their "most fun activities" list. You shouldn't just view flossing as a chore, however, because it's one of the best things you can do to keep a bright, healthy smile.

1. It Prevents Gum Disease

Plaque is the biggest contributor to gum disease. Gum disease weakens your teeth, leads to bone loss and eventually causes tooth loss. Did you know that plaque only needs a few hours to stick to your teeth? It can be very hard to remove after that.

You should always remove plaque from your teeth within a few hours of eating. It's especially important to brush and floss after meals and at bedtime. If you want to avoid cavities, root canals, dentures and plates, take a few minutes out of every day to floss.

2. It Keeps Your Breath Fresh

One of the biggest contributors to bad breath is food that's left behind in your teeth. Even brushing doesn't get it all out. Scraps of food could be lurking in between your teeth and starting to spoil.

Yes, it sounds gross. Now, imagine what that's doing to your breath. If you want to have the freshest breath possible, keep flossing.

3. It Makes Your Gums Stronger

Flossing is like a workout for your gums. All the muscles in your body need stimulation and exercise. Flossing stimulates your gums to make them stronger.

Do your gums bleed when you floss them? That's a sign that they're weak. Your body sends extra blood to areas that are fighting infection. Regular flossing will make your gums stronger and stop the bleeding. Stick with it, and you'll see an improvement after about a week of flossing.

4. It Keeps You Healthy All Over

Gum disease doesn't just affect your teeth and gums. It also affects your blood, heart, and lungs. People with gum disease frequently have other illnesses, because the bacteria travel through the bloodstream. It could contribute to your risk of diabetes, heart disease, neurological problems, and even arthritis.

Flossing helps keeps bacteria out of your bloodstream and your body. Keep your body and your teeth strong with daily flossing.

5. It's Fast and Easy

Once you get used to flossing, you'll get it done quickly and easily. It might take you a little while to get the hang of it at first. Just keep trying. Before long, you'll be cleaning your teeth quickly and thoroughly every day. Flossing gives you a lot of benefits for just a few minutes of work.

Tips for Flossing the Right Way

You can use any type of floss you like. If you're confused about the different types, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist.

  • Pull out the floss and wind it around two fingers.

  • Use a one-inch section of floss at a time.

  • Pull the floss between each tooth using a gentle sawing motion.

  • When the floss hits the gum line, don't force it. Bend it into a C shape and slide it under the tooth.

  • Use the floss to scrape plaque from the side of the tooth.

Once you've cleaned every tooth, finish with a rinse of water or mouthwash to get rid of all the plaque particles.

Are You Having Trouble Flossing?

There is a technique for flossing. To get the best results, you should ensure that you're doing it properly.

If you're having trouble or just want to make sure you're doing it correctly, talk to your dental hygienist at your next cleaning appointment.

Flossing Can't Replace Professional Cleaning

Flossing is important, but your teeth still need professional cleaning. If you want to keep your teeth and gums strong, get them professionally cleaned twice a year.

At Malan Family Dentistry, we provide gentle, expert care for everyone in the family. Call us today to schedule a cleaning.