The Benefits of Flossing
You know the drill: brush, rinse, floss, repeat. Your oral routine should consist of both brushing and flossing at least twice per day. Doing so will not just keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, but it will also decrease your chances of getting oral problems in the future.
But let’s be honest…who flosses every day, right? If you do, then good for you! If you don’t, then stop lying to your dentist. Believe it or not, your dentist can tell if you floss daily. That’s because flossing will give you several benefits that brushing cannot deliver.
Benefits You'll Get When You Floss
Thorough Mouth Cleaning
Flossing your teeth will remove food particles and bacteria-building plaque that your toothbrush just can’t reach. If you have teeth that are really close together, food wedged in between will be tough to get rid of.
When you floss, you’re not just removing food and bacteria. You’re also reducing the chances of developing cavities on the sides of your teeth and damaging your teeth.
Reduces the Risk of Gum Disease
Dental professionals have proven that flossing your teeth on a regular basis lessens the possibility of developing gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, it is the inflammation of gums caused by bacteria.
Gum disease will make your gums more prone to bleeding, and you will have bad breath. The bacteria buildup begins at the gum line. You’ll notice some inflammation which is the first sign of the disease. Without treatment, your gums will become more inflamed and will start to recede, exposing your teeth’s roots and causing them to fall off.
Reduces the Risk of Other Diseases
Although there is no concrete scientific explanation to back this up, it has caused a debate between other dental professionals. They say that gum disease can link to other illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
This may seem like an exaggeration, but some were able to link the possibilities of it happening. Health experts claim that the bacteria from the mouth may travel to the bloodstream to other parts of your body, spreading the bacteria there.
While there is no evidence to prove their theory, it’s still worth noting that an unflossed mouth is not a 100% clean mouth.
Flossing Helps Whiten Your Teeth
Yes, you read it right. But it’s only possible when you choose the right type of floss. Knowing which type of floss to use is the first step in making sure you’re cleaning your teeth properly. While there are several options out there, you only need to look at a few.
Everyone’s everyday regular floss is called waxed dental floss. As stated, it’s coated in wax to prevent shredding when it’s exposed to friction. The wax also makes it easier to hold, but it’s not the best choice for teeth that are really close together.
For people with this type of teeth, using unwaxed floss is better. No wax means that you’ll be able to slide the floss in between your teeth easier. However, no wax means that the floss is more prone to fraying and shredding. It might also be a tad bit difficult to grip onto.
The whitening floss we’re talking about is different from waxed and unwaxed. Unlike those which are made from nylon threads, this whitening floss is made of bamboo fibers. The whitening ingredient is from the activated charcoal that’s been infused with the bamboo floss. Activated charcoal floss helps whiten the spaces between your teeth by absorbing dirt and bacteria.
Prevent Bleeding Gums
Gross. But if you’re not a regular flosser, your gums may bleed when they’re being cleaned by a dental hygienist. Because your gums are not used to being flossed, they become weak, and any slight pressure at the gumline will cause them to bleed.
Weak gums are also a sign of gum disease. Flossing makes your gums firmer and more accustomed to pressure. Having healthy gums will also give you stronger teeth that are less prone to falling off.
How to Floss Properly
Being able to floss every day can prevent bacteria and diseases and help you keep your happy smile.
Knowing how to floss the right way is just as important as knowing when to floss. Not everyone who flosses can do it properly, especially if your teeth have really tight spaces in between. It can be difficult to clean teeth with braces. And what if the gaps in between your teeth are more spacious than usual?
How to Floss Your Teeth
- Brush your teeth before flossing. Stand in front of the mirror so you can see your teeth while you floss.
- Take some floss at about 18–24 inches in length.
- Wrap the floss around your middle fingers while keeping the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers.
- Gently slide the floss in the spaces between your teeth. Use up, down, and sideways movements to remove small food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Never force the floss in your gums, as you might risk hurting them.
- Carefully glide the floss in the space between the gum line and the tooth to clean that area. Again, never force and only make gentle movements.
- Repeat this process with each tooth. Always use a new section of dental floss for every tooth.
Flossing with braces may require appliances such as a floss threader. You can also use super floss, which also works for people with wide spaces between their teeth. You may also benefit from a water flosser. That is a handheld device that shoots powerful water pressure into your mouth to push away the food particles.
Flossing For Better Oral Health
There’s no scientific proof to back up that flossing prevents cavities on your teeth. But there is proof that flossing makes your gums healthier.
Your gums are just as important as your teeth, and it’s necessary to treat them with care. Including a flossing routine on your daily oral regimen will give you long-lasting benefits. Plus, a happier and healthier smile!
