Yes, dental floss is an effective tool for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Flossing helps remove plaque and other debris from between your teeth and along the gum line, which can help prevent cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. Flossing also stimulates the gums to keep them strong and healthy.
However: Only a few of us really reach for dental floss regularly. Daily use is a nuisance – and in the stress of everyday life, it’s easy to forget the benefits to dental health.
What are the side effects of dental floss?
That’s why you’ll read numerous helpful tips about flossing in this guide.
In addition to instructions on the correct technique, you’ll also find recommended flossers in all designs (from variants for narrow gaps between teeth to wide gaps in old age).
But it doesn’t always have to be dental floss: I also present some interesting alternatives such as interdental brushes or dental floss, which clean the teeth at least as well.
Even the best electric toothbrush doesn’t reach some places in your mouth – and that’s exactly why you shouldn’t go without flossing by any means
Recommended articles on the subject of dental floss
Dental Floss Review – Waxed or Unwaxed? Numerous variants in comparison, including advantages & disadvantages of the various recommendations.
Dental Floss Holder – Product Reviews and Tips for Improving Oral Hygiene
Mouthwashes as an alternative to flossing – If you can not cope with flossing at all, you should definitely look at these devices.
Interdental brushes – This fairly unknown alternative clears the spaces between your teeth of impurities a bit more thoroughly than floss.
Find The Right Interdental Brush – Which Size Do I Use?
Best Water Flosser – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews
Healthy teeth thanks to dental floss
Which variant is the right one for you depends primarily on your personal requirements?
The most important thing is to clean the interdental spaces regularly Exactly how that is done, on the other hand, is not so crucial.
- If you get along much better with dental floss than with interdental brushes, then there is no reason to change.
- Of course, the other way around, you can also try new variants if you have problems with the use of conventional dental floss.
With practice, cleaning the interdental spaces takes only 1-2 minutes – and saves in the long term painful discomfort such as chronic gingivitis.
So give your teeth a quick clean every day and save yourself expensive dentures & unpleasant visits to the dentist.
The benefits of dental floss at a glance
Dental floss cleans all the places a toothbrush can’t reach. So for a solid oral hygiene, it is irreplaceable. If you regularly get despite brushing your teeth.
- suffer from bad breath & dental plaque
- or have dental diseases such as periodontitis
the cause may be in the interdental spaces. Flossing helps prevent these problems. The sooner you start, the better for your overall dental health.
Can you floss too often?
As long as you don’t hurt your gums, you can floss the spaces between your teeth after every meal (if you have that much time to spare). However, for healthy teeth, 1 application daily is also enough.
Too often to reach for the dental floss does not harm teeth & gums thus, however, you should pay attention to the correct technique, because here the most mistakes happen.
Floss – waxed or not?
In addition to additives such as fluoride to fight tooth decay, dental floss is also still available in variants with and without wax. It’s helpful to try both variations and use the one you’re more comfortable with.
- Beginners are best to reach for waxed floss, as it is easier to guide into the gaps. It also reliably removes subunits.
- Have you become accustomed to the waxed variant, you can try unwaxed floss, as this removes plaque even slightly better.
To use dental floss before or after?
Here opinions differ, but basically flossing is recommended before brushing to loosen stubborn residue, which is then brushed away.
Some experts even go so far as to recommend flossing before and after to ensure clean interdental spaces. But whether that’s a really practical solution in everyday life…
Much more important than the right time, however, is the regular, daily cleaning of the interdental spaces. Decide on one option and perform it every day, for example, in the evening before going to bed.
Does flossing cause bleeding gums?
Especially in the beginning, there may be some isolated bleeding, as the gums first have to get used to the new form of cleaning.
If you experience regular bleeding (or if you are unsure), however, you should definitely contact your dentist. He can also show you the correct technique.
Because if the bleeding doesn’t stop, the floss may permanently injure the gums. Especially the insertion between the teeth should not be done with too much force.
Common misconceptions about flossing and the truth behind them
When it comes to oral hygiene, flossing is often the most overlooked aspect. A quick Google search for flossing misconceptions will result in a plethora of articles stating that flossing is pointless or that it causes more harm than good. However, there is a lot of misinformation floating around, and it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
One of the most common myths is that flossing is unnecessary. The truth is that flossing is a crucial step in the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing alone cannot remove all the food particles and bacteria that accumulate between teeth and under the gum line. Skipping flossing can lead to the formation of plaque, which can eventually harden into tartar, leading to gum inflammation and even tooth loss.
Another misconception about flossing is that it is painful and can cause bleeding gums. While it’s true that flossing can cause initial discomfort and bleeding if done incorrectly, it’s not a reason to skip it altogether. In fact, bleeding gums indicate that your gums are inflamed and need extra care. Over time, with regular flossing, the gums will become healthier, and bleeding will stop.
Lastly, many people believe that running a toothpick or a similar object between teeth can substitute for flossing. However, this method doesn’t effectively remove plaque below the gum line, which is a crucial part of flossing. Toothpicks can also cause damage to the gums if used incorrectly.
In short, flossing is a vital part of oral hygiene that should not be ignored or dismissed. It’s important to do it correctly to reap the benefits and avoid any potential issues. If you’re unsure about proper flossing techniques, consult with your dentist or hygienist for guidance.
Common misconceptions about flossing and the truth behind them
When it comes to oral hygiene, flossing is often the most overlooked aspect. A quick Google search for flossing misconceptions will result in a plethora of articles stating that flossing is pointless or that it causes more harm than good. However, there is a lot of misinformation floating around, and it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
One of the most common myths is that flossing is unnecessary. The truth is that flossing is a crucial step in the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing alone cannot remove all the food particles and bacteria that accumulate between teeth and under the gum line. Skipping flossing can lead to the formation of plaque, which can eventually harden into tartar, leading to gum inflammation and even tooth loss.
Another misconception about flossing is that it is painful and can cause bleeding gums. While it’s true that flossing can cause initial discomfort and bleeding if done incorrectly, it’s not a reason to skip it altogether. In fact, bleeding gums indicate that your gums are inflamed and need extra care. Over time, with regular flossing, the gums will become healthier, and bleeding will stop.
Lastly, many people believe that running a toothpick or a similar object between teeth can substitute for flossing. However, this method doesn’t effectively remove plaque below the gum line, which is a crucial part of flossing. Toothpicks can also cause damage to the gums if used incorrectly.
In short, flossing is a vital part of oral hygiene that should not be ignored or dismissed. It’s important to do it correctly to reap the benefits and avoid any potential issues. If you’re unsure about proper flossing techniques, consult with your dentist or hygienist for guidance.
Flossing techniques for people with braces or dental implants
Flossing is crucial for good oral health, but it becomes even more important when it comes to people who have braces or dental implants. These individuals require special flossing techniques to keep their mouths healthy and clean. Flossing with braces or dental implants may seem challenging, but with the right method and tools, it is easy and safe to do.
When it comes to flossing with braces, using regular floss may not be effective. The best floss for people with braces is waxed floss or floss threaders. Waxed floss slides easily between teeth and brackets, and it does not shred or get stuck. Floss threaders, on the other hand, are special tools that help thread floss through the brackets and wires of the braces. This method ensures that every tooth and area between the teeth is flossed, preventing the buildup of plaque and food particles that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
In the case of dental implants, flossing is equally important. Dental implants sit in the bone underneath the gums, so it is essential to keep the surrounding area free of bacteria and plaque. To floss around implants, a floss threader, implant-specific floss or interdental brush can be used. These tools allow the floss to pass between the implant and the gums to ensure proper cleaning. Cleaning implants using floss allows for the removal of any plaque, bacteria or food residue that can cause infection, gum complications, and implant failures.
In conclusion, flossing using the right method and technique is crucial for people with braces or dental implants. With the right tools, waxed floss or floss threaders, individuals can maintain excellent oral hygiene, preventing tooth decay or gum disease. Cleaning around implants and braces will also ensure that they remain in good working condition for a long time, providing a healthy and beautiful smile. Remember, consultation with a qualified dental professional is crucial before starting any new flossing technique, as they can recommend the best approach for your individual needs.
How to properly use dental floss for optimal results
Dental flossing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain proper oral hygiene. However, it may not be as easy as it seems, and many people do not use the right technique when flossing their teeth. Here are some tips on how to properly use dental floss to achieve optimal results.
To start, ensure that you are using the right type of floss. There are different types of floss, including waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored, thick or thin. Choose the one that you feel most comfortable using. Secondly, use approximately 18 inches of dental floss, wrapping the ends around your index and middle fingers of your non-dominant hand, leaving about an inch or two of floss in between.
Next, gently slide the floss between your teeth, curving it around each tooth in a c shape. While applying just enough pressure to remove plaque and debris, be careful not to cut or damage your gums. Ensure you floss both sides of each tooth by moving up and down a few times using a fresh section of the floss on each tooth.
Make sure to pay attention to the back molars, as these are the teeth that are most vulnerable to decay as food particles get lodged deep in these crevices. To finish, rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining particles that you may have missed with flossing.
In summary, maintaining proper oral hygiene is critical to keeping your smile healthy and fresh. Flossing is an important part of this routine, and using it correctly is essential to achieve optimal results. When you floss your teeth correctly, you can reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems by removing plaque and debris that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Remember to be gentle, take your time and floss daily to keep your teeth and mouth healthy for a lifetime.
