Your Delta Invisalign® Provider
Our Delta dentists highly recommend that everyone brushes their teeth no less than twice daily while also flossing once a day. Unfortunately, some patients do not realize the importance of flossing and don't always floss as often as they should. Here, we discuss the importance of flossing and why it is necessary for your overall dental health.
Why Flossing Matters
Preventive oral hygiene is more than attending regular dental exams and cleanings. It also means practicing daily oral health routines at home, like brushing and flossing regularly.
Flossing once a day is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. It helps to clean these spaces, and prevent plaque from building up to prevent issues like cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
There are many myths about flossing, which can cause people to skip this vital oral health care practice altogether.
Here our dentists debunk some of the myths about flossing and explain why you should never skip this important practice.
Myth: When you have food stuck in your teeth is when you should floss
Brushing doesn't remove bacteria in between the teeth, so only a portion of the tooth surface is getting cleaned. Even if you don't feel or see something stuck between your teeth, there is plaque building up that can only be removed by flossing to prevent issues like cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
Myth: Mouthwash does the same as flossing
Like brushing, mouthwash doesn't remove the plaque between your teeth. While mouthwash can be an effective supplement to your oral health care routine, it should never be used as a replacement for flossing.
Myth: If you wear braces then you can't floss
It may be more difficult to floss if you have traditional metal braces, but it is still necessary. Flossing will help keep your gum line clean and free from plaque buildup during your orthodontic treatment. Today, there are also alternative orthodontic treatment options, like Invisalign clear aligners, that can be removed for brushing and flossing to make the process easier.
Myth: Children don't need to floss
The earlier kids start flossing teeth, the more likely they will be to maintain good oral health care routines into adulthood. If it is difficult for them to floss on their own, try encouraging them and helping them along the way. If your child is under 10 years old, you can floss for them.
Myth: You shouldn't floss because it makes your gums bleed
If your gums bleed during flossing, this is usually a sign you need to floss more often. The more you floss, the less your gums are likely to bleed. If your gums are bleeding continually, even after regular flossing, then it could be a sign of another dental issue such as periodontal disease, so be sure to share any concerns with your dentist.