We’ve all heard about the necessity of flossing time and time again, and yet, only 40% of Americans floss daily and 20% never floss at all. Meanwhile, 70% of Americans brush their teeth twice a day.
Although we would love to see both of those numbers at 100%, for now, let’s focus on why there’s such a disparity between brushing and flossing.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you floss at least once a day, in addition to your twice-daily brushing routine. Actually, they recommend daily interdental cleaning. Flossing is a form of interdental cleaning, but we’ll get to that later.
Is Flossing Necessary?
Just like plaque buildup is a no-no on the fronts, backs, and tops of your teeth, you don’t want it in between your teeth either. Toothbrushes have a hard time getting into these areas the way that dental floss can. If you don’t remove plaque buildup, it can harden into tartar, causing gingivitis and gum disease.
Tartar can only be removed by professionals. It’s important not to let it get that far! Gingivitis is when your gums begin to swell and/or bleed, and it’s an early stage of more serious gum disorders.
There are also bacteria inside of your mouth that feed on food particles and release an acid that eats away at enamel, causing cavities.
When Should You Floss?
We all know the best times to brush our teeth. In the morning after breakfast (or as soon as you wake up, if you’re forgetful), and in the evening right before bed. But when is the best time to floss?
Believe it or not, there’s no exact time. The ADA suggests that the best time to floss is whenever is most convenient for you!
If possible, flossing before bed is the best because it ensures that you go to sleep with a clean mouth. Doing it immediately after brushing also allows the floss to push the lingering fluoride from your toothpaste into the areas between your teeth for an extra cleaning measure.
However, it’s most important to build a habit of flossing daily, so whenever you actually do it is better than waiting for an optimal time that’s inconvenient and gets missed more often than not.
Maybe the best time for you is after your lunch break. Maybe it’s on your bus/subway ride home from work. Maybe it’s after breakfast or after dinner. Maybe it’s while you watch TV in the evening! The only time that’s not a good time to floss is while you’re driving. Just make sure you’re doing it daily.
Types of Interdental Cleaning
Flossing is a tried-and-true method of interdental cleaning that most of us are well aware of. Modern flossing was invented in New Orleans by Levi Spear Parmly in 1819, and became commercially available in 1882 when Codman and Shurtleft began selling unwaxed silk floss. Johnson & Johnson registered the first patent for dental floss in 1898.
There are lots of different brands of floss out there. Some are waxed, some are unwaxed. Some are expensive and some are cheap. Studies show that they’re all more or less the same. The cheapest floss at your local supermarket will still have a notable impact on your oral health.
Traditional floss isn’t the only way to clean between your teeth, however. There is also dental tape, picks, water flossers, and more.
Floss picks have grown in popularity because some people find them easier to operate. Traditional floss can pinch your fingers, making it uncomfortable for some people, but floss picks can limit your ability to reach the teeth from every necessary angle. However, the handle can also make it easier to reach your back teeth than traditional floss.
Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, use pressurized water and/or air to remove food particles and bacteria from between teeth and around the gums. These are a great opportunity for individuals with sensitive gums. Waterpik is a popular example of a water flosser.
How to Floss
Flossing is easy to do, and it’s important to instill the habit in children at a young age so that the importance of it stays with them well into adulthood.
When using traditional floss, break off 18 to 24 inches, and wind most of it around your two index fingers, leaving a couple of inches between them. Hold the line taut and place it between two teeth.
Move the floss up and down, against both teeth one at a time. Be careful not to slide it into your gums, or you could cause bleeding.
Move from tooth to tooth and repeat the process, using a new, clean section of the floss for each interdental space.
How to Floss with Braces
Braces can make flossing difficult, but it’s not an excuse not to. Use waxed dental floss to prevent it from getting caught in the braces, or try using a water flosser to ensure a thorough cleaning with no tangles or dislodged wires.
Why Do Your Gums Bleed When You Floss?
There are several reasons why your gums might bleed when you floss:
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Plaque contains bacteria that can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and bleeding when flossing.
Poor Oral Hygiene: If you haven’t been flossing regularly or effectively, your gums may be more prone to bleeding when you start flossing again. Regular flossing helps remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
Aggressive Flossing: Flossing too vigorously or using a sawing motion can injure the delicate gum tissue, leading to bleeding. It’s important to be gentle when flossing and to use a proper technique.
Underlying Dental Issues: In some cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of underlying dental problems such as periodontitis (advanced gum disease), vitamin deficiencies, or certain medical conditions like diabetes.
Medications: Some medications, such as blood thinners, can increase the likelihood of gum bleeding.
If your gums bleed consistently when you floss, it’s essential to consult with a dentist to determine the underlying cause and to receive appropriate treatment and advice on improving your oral hygiene routine.
Oral Health is Important!
Twice-daily brushing and daily flossing can help prevent a lifetime of oral health challenges that nobody wants to deal with. Tobacco products can cause mouth cancer, staining, and other issues. Alcohol and soda can also cause oral decay, so they should be done in moderation.
Above all else, make sure you’re visiting your dentist at least once a year, preferably every six months, for a routine cleaning and checkup. Here at Monarch Family Dental, we want nothing more than to help you stay on top of any health issues that may arise. Give us a call today at 303-920-4900 or email us at office@MonarchFamilyDental.com to schedule an appointment. We look forward to ensuring your dental needs are met so your teeth work as intended well into old age!
