How Important Is Flossing?
More about this dental hygiene technique….
Growing up we are told all about brushing our teeth and how important that is in terms of our oral health.
However, flossing isn’t something generally presented as ‘important’ as brushing the teeth, in fact some publications have been known to label it as an unnecessary American addition to established routines that work just as they are, without the need for anything else.
Here at your convenient Abbey Road dentist, we love to talk to our patients about topics like this. With the newspapers and various sources online questioning everything and anything dentistry related, it’s really no surprise so many of our NW8 patients are confused about how to approach their dental health.
Some studies suggest flossing isn’t particularly beneficial, others strongly reinforce the idea that it significantly reduces a person’s chance of getting gum disease.
From a dental standpoint, it is absolutely necessary to clean in between your teeth – your toothbrush can’t reach in there, which means if you don’t clean it, bacteria builds up. That bacteria then creates acid which has a negative effect on your teeth and gums and can lead to gum disease. Using floss to loosen or remove all the debris between your teeth will reduce the bacteria present, in turn reducing your chance of getting gum disease.
Where it gets a bit more complicated is with what you use to floss, which tool or floss you like, the technique you use and the space between your teeth. When you come to our Abbey Road dental practice, we can advise you on the best method for you. Before then, you might find these simple tips handy:
Floss When You Have Time, But At Least Daily
Flossing is going to add a couple of minutes onto your dental care routine. You don’t have to floss in the morning and evening, but it is recommended you floss at least once a day. Choose a time to floss when you’re most likely to remember, and when you have the time to do it.
Don’t Do It If It Hurts, Flossing Should Not Be Painful
Flossing should never be painful. If you do it too hard, you could damage your gums. That being said, you do also need to apply enough pressure to get the debris out so you can’t be too gentle either. After a bit of practice, you should be able to master the best technique for you.
Try Out Different Tools
There are lots of different ways to floss. Experiment with different tools and types of floss until you find one comfortable for you to use.
Floss Using Proper Technique
Break off around 20 inches of floss and wind excess around a finger, winding the other end around a finger on the other hand. Hold the floss tightly between thumbs and forefingers ensuring you have a good grip. Then gently guide the floss into the gap between your teeth by gently rubbing. When the floss gets to the gum line pull it more towards one tooth not up or down towards the gum. Then, holding it tightly, rub the side of the tooth rubbing the floss away from the gum gently. Repeat this with all teeth until you reach the back teeth.
Visit Abbey Dental in St John’s Wood!
If you’re still unsure how to floss, how to pick the right flossing products for you, or you have any questions about flossing, ask us at your next appointment and we will be more than happy to answer your questions. Please call us on 02076241603 to make an appointment.