Dental Hygienist: When was the last time you flossed your teeth?
Patient: You should know. You were there!
There’s something about flossing that has many of us searching for excuses for why we can’t or didn’t floss today. Perhaps it’s too uncomfortable, or it makes your gums bleed. Maybe you just didn’t have the time especially when there’s so much Netflix to binge watch (we understand that one, we really do!) But no matter how many excuses we can conjure up, the flossing question never seems to go away.
So why is flossing so important?
The simple answer is that brushing your teeth just doesn’t do the complete job. Brushing is great for cleaning the visible surfaces of the teeth, but it simply can’t get into all the spaces between your teeth and the areas between your teeth and gums. These areas need particular attention because this is where plaque builds up which can lead to gum disease.
Some people avoid flossing because it hurts or causes their gums to bleed. Flossing shouldn’t hurt if you are using the correct technique so ask your hygienist to show you how. You should be following the curve of your tooth to guide you below the gum line and gently, not forcefully, slide the floss in an up and down motion. This will remove the plaque from between the contacts of your teeth as well as remove the build up under the gum line.
If you haven’t flossed in a while, your gums may be a little fragile and irritated and may bleed a little at first. Bleeding gums is not a signal for you to stop flossing, in fact, it’s the opposite. Keep it up, and after a week or so of a regular daily flossing routine, you will soon notice that the bleeding has stopped, and your gums look and feel healthier.
Flossing has come a long way, baby!
There is a wide array of flossing products on the market today that can accommodate most floss situations. Ask your hygienist for suggestions or a visit to your local drugstore, and you’ll be amazed at the products available to suit your needs.
Choose flavoured waxed floss or easy-glide tape floss especially if you’re new to flossing. If you dislike putting your hands in your mouth or find wrapping floss around your fingers only results in cutting off your circulation and frustration, floss sticks can be your next best friend.
Happy flossing!