Dental Flossing In The UK
Why we’re not much good at it and why we need to change….
We all know that America loves flossing. Movies, TV series, reality TV, TV adverts: if they’re set in the USA you’re likely to see references for flossing all over the place.
Americans are renowned for big, beautiful teeth, and flossing is a huge part of their dental hygiene regime. With that in mind, you could be forgiven for wondering where us Brits have been going wrong. You don’t see TV ads for floss, it isn’t really a big deal at all over here. Is that a problem for teeth? Should you be flossing?
Here are some easy floss Q&A’s to help clear up Britain’s stance on dental flossing:
Should I Floss?
Yes you should floss, it is a really important way to remove debris from hard to reach places in between your teeth.
When Should I Start Flossing?
You should be flossing from the age of 12, or using an interdental brush. Interdental brushes could be too big to fit through the gaps in your teeth but you should try those first. If they are too big, use floss instead as part of your daily oral health regime.
How Do I Floss?
Dental floss is very thin and soft and it might be that you find it very tricky to use on your teeth effectively. If this is the case, there are thicker types which make it much easier to get the job done. You should never do it vigorously or roughly as you might damage your gums, and should always look to gently scrape the teeth using the floss. Your Abbey Road Dental team in NW8 can help show you how to use floss effectively.
Doesn’t Floss Make Your Gums Bleed?
Flossing can make your gums bleed a little bit at first. This is nothing to worry about and will stop the more healthy your teeth and gums become. If after a few days you’re still seeing blood when you floss, speak to Abbey Road Dental as you may be flossing incorrectly or there may be an underlying issue to address.
Should I Keep Trying To Floss Even If I Don’t Find It Easy?
You should keep trying to floss as it is just like any other habit or skill and takes some getting used to. It is worth persevering because it helps make your teeth and gums healthier. If you are finding it really tricky though, after trying to do it for a while, speak to us at your next St John’s Wood appointment and we can suggest other ways to keep the area in between your teeth clean.
Why Is Flossing Important
If you don’t floss, your mouth becomes more at risk of gum disease and cavities between the teeth. When you brush your teeth you get rid of plaque buildup on the teeth, but if you don’t floss, you cannot get rid of the plaque build-up that happens between your teeth. This plaque contains bacteria that can irritate your gums, inflaming them and then eventually leading to gum disease. This same plaque also contains the type of bacteria that let out acid that that forms cavities in the teeth. So flossing is a great way to remove this harmful plaque that can cause gum disease and cavities.
Need More Advice On Flossing? Please Speak To Abbey Road Dental In St John’s Wood
If you need advice on flossing, or help understanding how best to clean in between your teeth, please speak to us at your next appointment, or book an appointment with our hygienist to discuss your oral health plan. Need to book? Please call us on 02076241603 and we will be more than happy to help!