What Happens When You Don’t Floss?

Flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. While brushing your teeth twice daily is crucial, it’s not enough to keep your gums healthy. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth, preventing bacteria buildup that can lead to gum disease.
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of proper flossing techniques and how they contribute to keeping our gums healthy.

Not flossing regularly can have adverse effects on your gum health. When you don’t floss, plaque accumulates in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, such as in between your teeth and along the gum line. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis – an early stage of gum disease that causes inflammation and irritation of the gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis – a more severe form of gum disease that damages the supporting structures of your teeth and can even lead to tooth loss.

Proper Flossing Techniques

To ensure proper flossing, follow these steps:

  • Start with about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about two inches of floss in between. Hold the floss tightly between your index fingers and thumbs.
  • Gently slide the floss between your teeth, curving it into a C-shape around each tooth to clean both sides.
  • Use a new section of floss for each tooth, and don’t forget to floss behind your back teeth as well.
  • Be gentle when moving the floss up and down – avoid snapping it against your gums, as this can irritate you.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after you’re done flossing.

 Flossing with String Floss vs. Flossers?

When it comes to choosing between string floss and flossers, personal preference and convenience often play a significant role. String floss is the traditional choice and offers more control as you can adjust the length and pressure applied to clean between teeth effectively. It can also reach areas that might be missed by flossers. However, some individuals find string floss difficult to use, especially for the back teeth, and it can sometimes be challenging for those with limited dexterity.
On the other hand, flossers, which are small plastic devices with a piece of floss strung between two prongs, offer ease of use and can be more convenient for some people. They are particularly helpful for those who struggle with the technique of string floss or have orthodontic appliances. Nonetheless, flossers may not be as adaptable as string floss for reaching all the intricate crevices between teeth. Ultimately, the best choice between string floss and flossers depends on personal preference, ease of use, and your specific dental needs. It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine the most effective flossing method for your oral health routine.

Additional Tips for Proper Flossing

Choose the right type of floss for you – whether it’s traditional floss, floss picks, or water flossers. As long as you’re using them correctly, they will effectively remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
Floss at least once a day – ideally before bedtime. This gives your mouth a chance to clear out any lingering debris overnight.
Be consistent with your flossing routine – make it a daily habit rather than an occasional task.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue after flossing to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

The Benefits of Proper Flossing

  • Regularly incorporating proper flossing into your oral hygiene routine has many benefits:
  • Prevents gum disease – as discussed earlier, flossing removes plaque and prevents tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease.
  • Reduces bad breath – removing food particles and bacteria from your mouth through flossing can help combat bad breath.
  • Protects against cavities – by removing plaque and food debris between teeth, you’re also preventing the formation of cavities.
  • Saves money in the long run – by preventing gum disease and cavities, you’ll be saving yourself from costly dental treatments in the future.

In conclusion, proper flossing is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping our gums healthy. By following the correct techniques and being consistent with our flossing routine, we can prevent gum disease, bad breath, and cavities. Keep your gums and smiles happy! Call our team of dental experts at ClevelandSmiles and get on the road to great dental health today, a 1-440-461-1003.