I am sure you are aware that brushing of teeth is important, at least twice a day. But do you know that aside from brushing your teeth, you need to floss twice daily? Dental floss is a cord of thin filaments used in removing dental plaque and food from between teeth in areas a toothbrush cannot reach.
Flossing is important for oral hygiene. It cleans and removes food that is stuck between your teeth, reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Plaque is a sticky film that coats the teeth and contains bacteria causing gum disease.
For those seeking comprehensive dental care that emphasizes prevention and lasting results, services like those offered at smiles restored are invaluable. Their experienced team provides thorough cleanings, exams, and treatments designed to keep your smile healthy and radiant. Whether you’re maintaining your oral hygiene routine or addressing concerns like gum disease or plaque buildup, their focus on gentle yet effective care helps patients feel at ease.
With professional treatments that target problem areas and guidance on home care routines, they are dedicated to helping patients leave with their confidence renewed. Combining professional care with consistent brushing and flossing ensures your oral health remains in top condition, giving you a smile you can be proud of.
Floss is commonly recommended to help prevent gingivitis and plaque buildup. The American Dental Association stated that flossing can help remove up to 80% plaque and it may bring specific benefits in people with orthodontic devices. However, there is limited empirical scientific evidence that demonstrates the clinical benefit of flossing as an adjunct routine to brushing.
Tooth flossing is usually recommended to people with tight interdental spacing specifically because there is every possibility that some food particles might be trapped which may not be easily removed through tooth brushing or rinsing.
Flossing is especially important for children, as their developing teeth and gums are more susceptible to plaque buildup and cavities. Teaching kids to floss early helps establish lifelong habits that promote good oral health and prevent issues like gingivitis.
Children with braces or tight spacing between their teeth may find it challenging to remove food particles with brushing alone, making flossing even more essential. At Little Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, specialists understand the unique needs of children and provide tailored advice to ensure young patients develop strong dental habits. By combining professional guidance with good at-home care, parents can help their children maintain healthy smiles for life.
Why Is Tooth Flossing Recommended?
If plaque is not removed, it can slowly accumulate between toothaches forming hard deposits known as tartar. Both plaque and tartar cause dental issues like inflammation of gums which causes ailments like periodontitis and gingivitis. Plaque trapped in between teeth causes various dental issues like:
- Tooth decay is the decay of tooth structure
- Gingivitis is known as swelling of the gums causing bleeding from gums
- Periodontitis causes damage to teeth supporting structures such as bone and ligaments
- A general reduction in oral health can manifest in various symptoms like tenderness, pus formation, and inability to chew food.
- Deranged dental health can lead to the oral conditions mentioned above as well as causing severe medical conditions which includes cardiac disease and even preterm labor.
What Type Of Dental Floss Is Right For You?
There are different types of dental floss however, the two types of floss you can choose from are:
- Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) (monofilament) floss
- Nylon (or multifilament) floss
The nylon floss is available as waxed and unwaxed. Then waxed floss filaments are bound together, while the unwaxed floss has individual filaments. For the nylon floss, unwaxed floss is considered the best because it cleans more effectively. The Nylon or multifilament floss compose of many strands of nylon which may sometimes shred or tear specifically between teeth with tight contact points. While the single filament (PTFE) floss slides between teeth easily, even teeth with tight spaces, and does not tear. Depending on the individual, you can decide to choose either of the two. Both are good at removing debris and plaque.
If you find it hard making use of regular floss, you can try water flossing, floss picks, or other flossing tools. Whichever you chose, cleaning gaps between your teeth will enhance your dental health and keep your smile sparkling.
What Is The Best Way To Floss Your Teeth?
Now that you know that flossing is beneficial to your dental health, you might be thinking of how to do it the right way. Flossing is good for removing the plaque and debris between your teeth to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
According to the American Dental Association, tooth flossing is recommended at least once a day. Below is a series of sequential steps which one can follow:
- Tear off a piece of floss of about 18 inches and wrap around the middle finger of both hands.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and fingers.
- Once the floss is in between the teeth and at the gum line turn it around the neck of the tooth making a C- shaped curve.
- Then you should position the floss in between your teeth with a gentle rubbing motion and ensure you do not push the floss directly into the gums. Do this for all areas of your mouth.
- Rub the floss gently against the tooth and slide it away from the gum in an up and down motion.
- Follow these steps for each tooth
- After completing this procedure, discard the floss. Do not use the floss again after it has been used because it can reintroduce the bacteria in the gums.
However, if you’re already having dental issues, you should be looking for a dentist in Worcester or one near you so they can examine your teeth and recommend some treatments. Maintaining proper flossing habits is just one essential step in ensuring optimal oral health, but comprehensive dental care goes beyond daily hygiene routines.
Regular checkups, professional cleanings, and preventive treatments help protect against cavities and gum disease while ensuring that any potential issues are caught early. For those looking to enhance their smiles, advancements in cosmetic dentistry provide a range of options, from teeth whitening to veneers and implants.
At vibrant dental, patients can explore personalized solutions to restore function and aesthetics, whether they need a simple cosmetic enhancement or a complete smile makeover. Dental implants, in particular, offer a durable and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth, improving both appearance and oral health. By combining routine care with modern cosmetic treatments, individuals can maintain a healthy, confident smile for years to come.
Should You Floss Before Or After Brushing Your Teeth?
A dentist based in Illinois, Leslie B. Wardell, DDS, said that you should floss before brushing. “The bacteria in your mouth grows faster at night in the dark, warm atmosphere of your mouth,” he explains. The number of bacteria in your mouth will more than double when you sleep. For instance, if you go to bed with two billion bacteria in your mouth, you will wake up with four billion bacteria.
Basically, you should consider using your string floss first in the morning. You have to get rid of the acidic bacteria quickly by flossing away grime and plaque, then brushing for a spotless finish.
Maintaining optimal oral hygiene goes beyond just brushing and flossing; it also involves visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups. Routine appointments with an expert in cosmetic dentistry can help address more specific concerns, such as misaligned teeth, discoloration, or even the need for a full smile makeover. Cosmetic dentistry includes treatments like porcelain veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening, all designed to improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth.
At The Los Angeles Veneer Group, a dedicated team of specialists offers a wide range of services tailored to your dental needs. From minor cosmetic enhancements to comprehensive treatments like veneers and Invisalign, they provide personalized care to help you look and feel your best. Their expertise not only enhances your smile but also supports your long-term oral health, creating a solid foundation for a confident, radiant future.
