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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.
