Is It Necessary To Floss Your Teeth? (5 Mins Read)

Is It Necessary To Floss Your Teeth? While brushing teeth twice a day is a regular part of most oral health routines, many people find themselves skipping one of the most essential steps- flossing. Flossing is one of the single greatest weapons we have to protect the teeth from a variety of issues, not the least of which are tooth decay, gum disease, and overall bad breath.

Yet it is often forgotten or neglected. Continue reading to learn more about why you should be sure to floss your teeth regularly, as well as tips to ensure you are properly flossing your teeth when you do.

1.) What Is Flossing?

Flossing is a process where dental floss, a thin cord typically coated in wax, is rubbed between the teeth to remove stubborn food and plaque that can build up in the tight spaces. When done correctly, flossing dislodges these particles than typical tooth brushing or mouthwash may not be able to reach. This helps overall to reduce plaque and bacteria in the mouth while preventing several oral diseases and discomforts.

2.) How Do I Floss My Teeth?

You will want to first be sure to purchase a type of dental floss that works for you. Most standard dental flosses are thin, waxed cords and tend to work for most people. However, other options like floss picks are available which can be easier to use if holding and manipulating the thin strands of dental floss are a challenge. Children and teens with braces or other orthodontic appliances may need more specialized flosses to adequately reach between teeth to remove plaque.

Once you have your floss, gently glide a piece up and down between each of your teeth, being sure to reach the full length of each side of your tooth. As you reach the top of each tooth, gently curve the floss into a C-shape and allow it to slide slowly along the curve of your tooth between it and the gums above.

A common mistake many people make while flossing is that they repeatedly rub the floss back and forth in a sawing motion near their gum line. This is unnecessary and does not accomplish the goal of flossing. Instead, as you glide the floss between your teeth, be sure to avoid jamming it into your sensitive gums. This can help prevent scratching, bruising, or bleeding that comes with rough treatment of your gum line.

3.) Should I Floss My Teeth every day?

You should be sure to floss your teeth every day, to remove any food buildup from the previous day’s eating. Any time of the day is okay, though the benefits may be the strongest if you floss your teeth at night. This is because there tends to be less saliva present in the mouth while sleeping, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and spread.

It is also recommended that you floss your teeth before you brush them with a toothbrush. This allows the flossing to dislodge food particles that your toothbrush can then brush away to completely remove. Either way, once you get the hang of it flossing only adds a couple of minutes to your daily routine and is a necessary practice.

4.) Is It Necessary To Floss My Teeth?

Yes, it is essential to floss teeth regularly as part of your oral hygiene routine. Failing to do so will allow the buildup of food, plaque, and bacteria between the teeth and the gum line, which increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay over time. It can also lead to chronic bad breath, or halitosis, as a result of the decaying food that remains between teeth when not flossed.

There is no other way to completely remove this buildup from between teeth than flossing. Typical toothbrushes and mouthwashes are simply not able to reach all the places that dental floss can.

5.) What Happens If I Do Not Floss Teeth

If plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up between the teeth and gums, several problems can begin. This buildup can quickly begin to cause tooth decay, which will inevitably lead to cavities – tiny openings or holes in the enamel of your teeth. Cavities will not heal on their own and will require a trip to the dentist to fill before they spread to the point where the tooth is too damaged to save.

Additionally, plaque buildup can lead to gingivitis – an early form of gum disease. Gingivitis is usually detected by inflammation or irritation around the gums, as well as bleeding when you brush or floss. Left unchecked, gingivitis will quickly turn to periodontitis – a condition that causes your gums to pull away from your teeth and can eventually result in bone loss and teeth becoming loose.

6.) Health Benefits Of Flossing Your Teeth Daily

A little-known benefit of regular flossing is its contribution to overall heart health. Regular and consistent oral hygiene can help lead to a decrease in your risk for serious conditions such as atrial fibrillation or even heart failure. Tooth flossing is an important step in ensuring the overall health of your body throughout your lifetime.

7.) What Is The Best Age To Start Teeth Flossing?

Since flossing is intended to clean food and plaque from the spaces in between teeth, this habit must begin as soon as a child has two teeth that touch each other. The exact age of this can vary from child to child but typically happens around the age of 2-3 years old. At such a young age, children will require assistance from a parent or other adult to complete their new flossing routine.

Conclusion

Flossing is an important part of any oral hygiene routine and should be done daily. It removes unwanted food and plaque from between your teeth, preventing the buildup of bacteria. It is also an essential component in stopping tooth decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Do your best to floss your teeth at least once a day, to ensure your overall oral health and the longevity of your teeth!