Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day, according to our Warman dentists. However, some patients choose not to floss for a variety of reasons. We'll go over why flossing is so important and why you shouldn't skip it.
The Importance of Flossing
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.
Cleaning between the teeth and under the gum line is best accomplished by flossing once a day. It helps to keep these spaces clean and prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to 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: You only need to floss if you have food stuck in your teeth.
Brushing only cleans a portion of the tooth surface. It does not remove bacteria from between the teeth. Even if you don't feel or see anything stuck between your teeth, plaque is accumulating there, which can only be removed by flossing to avoid cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Myth: You can use mouthwash instead of floss.
Mouthwash, like brushing, does not remove plaque from between your teeth. While mouthwash can be a useful addition to your oral hygiene regimen, it should never be used in place of flossing.
Myth: You can't floss if you are wearing braces.
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.
Myth: Your children are too young to floss.
The earlier children begin flossing their teeth, the more likely they are to maintain good oral hygiene habits into adulthood. If they are having trouble flossing on their own, try encouraging them and assisting them. You can floss for your child if he or she is under the age of ten.
Myth: Your gums bleed when you floss, so you should stop.
If your gums bleed while flossing, it's a sign you should floss more frequently. The more you floss, the less likely your gums will bleed. If your gums are bleeding frequently, even after flossing, it could be a sign of another dental problem, such as periodontal disease, so talk to your dentist about it.