Fact Checked

Why is Flossing Important?

Written by Fernanda Elizalde

April 05, 2023

Medically Reviewed

By Dr. Greg Grillo, DDS

Good dental hygiene is essential for maintaining your oral health, and flossing is an important part of that routine. Flossing helps remove food particles from areas between the teeth that brushing can’t reach, which helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Regular flossing will help keep your gums healthy and prevent periodontal disease, an infection of the gums caused by bacteria buildup. Practicing good dental hygiene with regular flossing can also help reduce or eliminate bleeding gums, allowing you to maintain a healthy mouth and smile.

Flossing is an essential step in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. It helps remove plaque from in between your teeth that could otherwise lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left unchecked.

In addition to brushing twice daily, flossing at least once a day helps maintain good dental hygiene by removing food particles that can become trapped in hard-to-reach places. Regular flossing will help keep your gums healthy and free of bacteria buildup, preventing periodontal disease which can cause damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.

By regularly flossing your teeth, you are helping to ensure good oral health while protecting yourself against cavities and other problems associated with poor dental hygiene, such as bleeding gums or periodontal disease. With just a few minutes of flossing each day, you can keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy for years to come!

WHAT IS FLOSSING?

Flossing is an important part of dental hygiene. It involves using a string of floss to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line. Dental floss comes in waxed, unwaxed, flavored, or unflavored varieties and even as a water flosser and can be used once or twice a day for optimal results.

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Flossing should be done gently but thoroughly, as it helps to clean areas where a toothbrush can't reach. It also helps to reduce the risk of dental problems such as cavities and gingivitis by removing bacteria from the mouth that can cause these issues.

Flossing should be done at least once a day for best results, preferably after meals so that any food particles are removed before they harden into plaque.

ORAL HEALTH TO PROTECT AGAINST GUM DISEASE AND TOOTH DECAY

Gum health is an important part of overall oral health. Healthy gums are pink, firm and fit snugly around the teeth. Unhealthy gums can be red, swollen, tender and may bleed easily when brushed. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly to maintain healthy gums.

Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and flossing daily are key steps in maintaining gum health. Additionally, using a quality mouthwash can help reduce plaque build-up and keep the gums healthy.

Eating nutritious foods that are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron can also benefit gum health. Ultimately, making sure you take care of your gums is essential for keeping your smile looking its best!

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU FLOSS?

Flossing is essential to your dental hygiene routine. It should be done at least once a day, although you can floss more if desired. Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles that may become trapped between your teeth, which brushing alone cannot do.

Electric brushes or floss are the best tools to use when cleaning between your teeth. When used with brushing, they help to prevent tartar buildup and keep your teeth clean and healthy.

To get the most out of your flossing routine, it is recommended that you brush your teeth first and then floss afterwards to help remove any remaining debris. Doing this at least once a day can help ensure that you have proper oral hygiene and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease caused by plaque buildup.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT WAY TO FLOSS?

5 STEPS TO PERFECT FLOSSING

We all know we should floss at least once a day, but not everyone knows how. Learn how to floss your teeth effectively by following this step-by-step guide:

STEP ONE

Cut about 18 inches of floss and wrap the majority of it around one of your middle fingers. Wrap the leftover floss around the other hand's identical finger. As the floss becomes wet, this finger will pick it up.

STEP TWO

Tightly grip the floss between your thumbs and forefingers.

STEP THREE

Using a gently rubbing motion, guide the floss between your teeth. Never insert floss into your gums.

STEP FOUR

Curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth once it reaches the gum line. Slide it gently into the gap between the gum and the teeth.

STEP FIVE

Tightly wrap the floss around the teeth. Gently massage the side of the tooth, sliding the floss up and down away from the gum. Repeat this procedure for the remaining teeth. Remember to include the back side of your final tooth.

When you're through, discard the floss. A used piece of floss will be less effective and may leave bacteria in your mouth.

DOES IT MATTER WHAT TYPE OF FLOSS YOU USE?

When you go to the store for floss, you're probably overwhelmed by the enormous selection. You should experiment with several types of floss to see which one works best for you.

Unwaxed floss is often seen to be the best since the individual filaments clean more efficiently than waxed floss, which has the filaments bonded together. Regardless, the most essential thing is to use floss that works for the person; flossing in any form is preferable than not flossing at all!

DENTAL FLOSS FOR BRACES

Dental floss for braces is an important part of proper oral care routine for those with braces. Brushing alone does not remove all the food particles that get stuck in between your teeth and gums.

By flossing, you can clean below the gum line and reduce the risk of bleeding gums or other problems related to poor oral hygiene. Flossing also helps keep harmful bacteria from building up around your teeth and gums, which helps keep them healthy.

To ensure good oral hygiene, it is important to floss with dental floss at least once a day. This will help remove plaque and food particles that can build up over time if they are not removed properly. Doing this regularly can help prevent any gum diseases or other issues associated with poor oral health.

FAQS

IS IT TOO LATE TO START FLOSSING?

Regardless of your age, it is never too late to begin flossing. Keeping your teeth in good shape is essential for your oral health and cleanliness. Flossing is one approach to keep your teeth in good condition.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED TO FLOSS?

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, according to the American Dental Association. While some people floss after each meal to ensure there is no food trapped in their teeth, flossing once a day will do wonders for your dental hygiene.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU FLOSS EVERYDAY?

Flossing every day may minimize your risk of tooth decay and gum disease by eliminating food particles and avoiding plaque buildup. Flossing can also help prevent food from rotting between your teeth, which can lead to foul breath.

WHY IS FLOSSING MORE IMPORTANT THAN BRUSHING?

It isn't, however, brushing merely cleans the front and rear surfaces of your teeth. Flossing, on the other hand, removes plaque from between your teeth and behind your gums. The most dangerous microorganisms reside in these difficult-to-reach areas.

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