“Are you flossing?”
It’s a question we all hear during our routine visits to the dentist. Whatever your answer, you may find yourself wondering why dentists are so adamant about the importance of flossing your teeth. Read on to learn more about why dentists talk so much about flossing.
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Why Do I Need to Floss?
“So, why exactly is flossing so important for my dental health? If I thoroughly brush my teeth, why do I need to floss as well?”
These are extremely common questions that many people have for their dental professionals when the topic of brushing and flossing arises. The truth is that flossing is an absolutely crucial aspect of proper oral hygiene – even for the most avid of brushers.
Our mouths are home to naturally-occurring bacteria. Over the course of an average day, this bacteria will typically grow and multiply as a result of the foods and beverages we eat and drink.
Sugary foods and beverages in particular are notable catalysts for bacterial growth inside the mouth. This bacteria rests on the teeth and gums in the form of a sticky substance known as plaque. Plaque is often accompanied by food particles that are left over from snacks and meals.
When allowed to rest on the teeth without proper removal (brushing and flossing), the bacteria, sugars, and acids begin to eat away at the protective outer layer of the tooth, which is known as the enamel. If not properly removed with regular brushing and flossing, plaque turns into tartar, a bone-hard substance that can only be removed by a dental professional with the use of professional hygienic tools.
The danger in allowing tartar to remain on the teeth lies in the fact that bacteria will continue to multiply and thrive against the surface of the teeth. Over time, the bacteria will wreak havoc and lead to serious decay.
Brushing twice daily helps ensure that the surface of the teeth is clean and free of harmful plaque or food particles – but the truth is that if you tend to skip flossing, you could be placing yourself at risk for cavities between the teeth. You may also face a higher risk of developing gingivitis or its more advanced stage of gum disease.
Even the most thorough brushers will likely miss particles that are trapped between the teeth. Taking the time to floss each time you brush your teeth is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy oral environment.
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?
If your gums bleed or cause you pain or discomfort while you are flossing, you may find yourself avoiding flossing altogether.
If you do not floss on a regular basis and only floss every once in a while, it is highly likely that you will experience some bleeding when you do floss. This is because your gum tissues are not used to being touched or stimulated; with regular flossing, the gum tissues become accustomed to being stimulated and do not bleed.
Below are some other reasons why you may experience bleeding during flossing:
- Gingivitis
- Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
- Hormone changes
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Diabetes
- Prescription medication side-effects
- Chemotherapy
The best way to determine exactly why you are experiencing bleeding while you are flossing your teeth is to speak with your dentist. In some cases, you may benefit from seeing a periodontist (gum specialist) as well.
Benefits of Flossing
Flossing your teeth comes with a wide range of benefits, both for your mouth and your body as a whole.
Below are some of the most notable benefits of flossing your teeth:
- Remove food particles trapped between the teeth
- Remove plaque trapped between the teeth
- Reduce the risk of cavities
- Reduce the risk of gingivitis and gum disease
- Remove bacteria and food particles that may lead to bad breath
How to Floss Your Teeth
Knowing how to properly floss in between your teeth is extremely important; while quickly passing a piece of floss between the teeth is a good effort on your part, properly and thoroughly flossing is the only way to ensure that you are able to fully reap the benefits.
Take a section of floss, about 12 inches in length. Be sure to opt for waxed floss, as string floss tends to snag and tear. Wrap each end around your index finger and place the floss in the contact between two teeth. Next, bring the floss up towards your gums and move it in a “C” motion against the base of the tooth. Moving the floss back and forth in this position will clean the area of plaque and food debris. Continue this throughout the entire mouth, being sure to clean the contacts between each tooth in the mouth.
Wondering if you should floss before or after brushing your teeth? The truth is that it is entirely up to you, but it is typically recommended to floss before you brush. Brushing after you have finished flossing can help remove debris that was loosed but not fully removed while flossing.
After you have finished flossing and brushing, be sure to rinse thoroughly with an antiseptic mouthwash to ensure that any harmful particles or residue left behind is washed away.
Protect Your Health
When your dentist takes the time to lecture you on the importance of flossing, they’re doing so because they want to help you protect your health. It may come as a surprise to learn that the health of your teeth and gums is directly linked to the health of your body as a whole – especially your heart.
That’s right: it has been found that people who have been diagnosed with gum disease have a higher chance of developing heart disease as compared with individuals who have healthy gums.
When gum disease is left untreated, the bacterial levels inside the mouth and below the gum line quickly become out of control in the form of a serious infection. Over time, the bacterial infection may actually enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, leading to serious heart conditions. Gum disease has also been linked to the following health conditions:
- Diabetes
- Increased risk of stroke
- Respiratory Issues
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Endocarditis
Taking the time to floss your teeth every day is a small yet impactful step that can be taken as a preventative measure not only for the health of your teeth and gums, but for your body as a whole.
Different Types of Floss
When it comes time to choose the type of floss that you will use, it may be easy to feel a bit overwhelmed with the different options that are available. Let’s break down the different types of floss to help you find what works best for you.
- Thread Floss: Made from nylon, easy to use, and cost-effective.
- Waxed Floss: Made from nylon and coated with wax to ensure a smooth and easy use every time. The wax coating helps prevent snagging and tearing while flossing.
- Tape Floss/Dental Tape: Dental tape, otherwise known as tape floss, is much wider and thicker than regular floss to cover more surface area and provide easier use.
- Super Floss: Super floss is ideal for cleaning around braces or dental bridges, as it is made of a thick, yarn-like material.
- Floss Picks: Floss picks are small plastic tools that feature a curved edge and a piece of floss that is ready to use. Floss picks can be a good option for children or individuals who are looking to learn how to floss before moving on to another type. Because they also feature a built-in toothpick on one end, they can be beneficial for cleaning in between braces brackets.
If you have tried multiple different types of dental floss and still have trouble, you may want to consider using a water flosser.
Water flossers, such as the Waterpik, are designed to efficiently clean the contacts between the teeth with the use of a powerful, high-pressure stream of water and air. Water flossers can be beneficial for people with dexterity issues, or those who simply do not like flossing.
What Happens if I Don’t Floss?
Unfortunately, only about 25% of Australians report that they regularly floss. When considering just how important flossing is, this number is staggeringly low.
In order to fully understand the importance of flossing, it is important to consider what will happen if you don’t floss.
Below are some examples of what can happen if you don’t floss:
- Bacteria, plaque, and tartar will build up, placing you at an increased risk of gingivitis and gum disease (periodontitis)
- High bacteria content inside the mouth will likely lead to issues with bad breath (halitosis)
- Gum and bone recession will occur. This will cause the teeth to become loose, and if proper measures are not taken, you may face the risk of tooth loss
- You will experience bleeding, swelling, and pain in your gums
- You will face an increased risk of cavities due to harmful plaque, tartar, and food debris in between the teeth
- You may face an increased risk of serious health conditions that are linked directly to the health of your teeth and gums
- Your body may face the risk of chronic infections that can spread through the blood
When considering the potential risks of not flossing your teeth, it becomes clear that it truly pays to take a few extra minutes each day and thoroughly floss your teeth.
FY Smile: Best Dentist in Sydney
Now that you are well informed on the importance of flossing, you will be well-equipped for properly caring for your teeth and gums at home. When it comes time for your professional dental cleaning, our team is here for you.
Here at FY Smile, we strive to provide our patients with an unparalleled level of dental care; that is why we are proud to offer comprehensive dental and orthodontic treatment in beautiful Sydney.
Whether you are interested in dental veneers, Invisalign, traditional braces, a complete smile makeover, or a routine dental cleaning, you are in good hands. Our team of caring dental professionals is here to provide the treatment you need to create the beautiful and healthy smile that you have always dreamt of.
Your journey towards optimal dental health begins here. In addition to offering braces and Invisalign in Sydney, FY Smile is proud to offer a wide range of dental services. From basic tooth fillings to dental implants to deep cleanings and more, we’ve got you covered.
For more information about dental hygiene treatment in Sydney or to get scheduled in our Double Bay dental clinic, feel free to give us a call anytime at 02 8319 5557.
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