Why Is Dental Floss Important?

Brushing your teeth does not clean between them. Food and plaque stay in those spaces and cause problems like bad breath and gum disease. Dental floss helps clean those areas and keeps your mouth healthy. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about dental floss.

Why Do I Need to Floss As Well As Brush My Teeth?

Brushing your teeth helps, but it cannot clean everything. Dental floss cleans the spots your toothbrush misses. You need to use it because it helps to:

• Remove food stuck between teeth.
• Clean tight spaces your toothbrush misses.
• Stop plaque from building up.
• Protect your gums from swelling and bleeding.
• Lower the risk of gum disease.
• Prevent cavities between teeth.
• Keep your breath fresh.
• Clear plaque from under the gumline.
• Help your mouth stay clean and healthy.

What Are the Benefits of Flossing My Teeth?

The benefits include:

• Keep your gums healthy and firm.
• Make your breath smell clean and fresh.
• Stop gums from bleeding over time.
• Help your teeth stay strong and in place.
• Prevent cavities between teeth.
• Reduce the chance of deep dental cleaning or gum surgery.
• Improve the way your mouth feels each day.
• Make dental checkups easier and faster.
• Help you avoid tooth loss as you get older.
• Support a healthy smile that lasts longer.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Floss?

There are different types of dental floss. Each one works in a special way. Some are better for tight teeth, and some are easier to hold. The best type is the one you can use every day without trouble. Here are the common types:

• Waxed floss slides easily between tight teeth and does not break easily.
• Unwaxed floss feels thinner and cleans well if your teeth have more space.
• Dental tape covers more area and works well for people with gaps between teeth.
• Floss picks help clean between teeth easily, especially if you have trouble using regular floss.
• Water flossers use water to clean between teeth and around gums, and are good for people with braces or sensitive gums.

Helpful Tips to Floss Properly

To floss the right way, follow these simple steps:

• Cut about 18 inches.
• Wrap most of the floss around one finger on one hand, and wrap the other end around a finger on your other hand.
• Use a clean section for each tooth.
• Slide the floss between your teeth without snapping it.
• Curve it around each side of the tooth to clean it well.
• Move the floss up and down to remove food and plaque.
• Repeat for every tooth, even the ones in the back.
• Do it once a day, best before bedtime when your mouth needs to stay clean overnight.

Note: Not sure how to floss your teeth the right way? Contact us. Our top dentists in Phoenix will help you keep your teeth healthy!

Common Flossing Mistakes

Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Pushing the floss too hard can hurt your gums.
• Using the same piece for all teeth spreads germs instead of cleaning.
• Flossing only when food is stuck does not remove all plaque.
• Stopping because of bleeding makes the problem worse.
• Skipping flossing often allows plaque to build up.

Final Thoughts

Dental floss helps clean the parts of your mouth that your toothbrush misses. It keeps teeth strong, gums healthy, and breath fresh. When you use it every day, you reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It works best when used the right way. Pick a type that fits your mouth and use it at night. Healthy teeth and gums need more than just brushing.

FAQs

How do you know if you are flossing correctly?

You clean between each tooth and just under the gumline without pain. Gums may bleed at first, but should stop after a few days.

Are you supposed to floss teeth before or after brushing?

You should floss before brushing to remove debris and let the toothpaste reach all surfaces.

Should you put toothpaste on floss?

You do not need to use toothpaste on it. It works well on its own.

Why are my gums swollen after flossing?

Your gums may swell from plaque and bacteria. With daily use, swelling often goes away.

Does flossing create gaps in teeth?

No, it does not create gaps. It helps prevent them by keeping gums strong.