Do you floss? And no, only doing it right before a dentist appointment doesn’t count. Flossing is essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy, which is why it’s a crucial step in your oral hygiene routine. But despite that tidbit, most people still skip it or do it improperly – and that can do more harm than good for your smile. Continue reading as your dentist in Dallas shares a few common mistakes people make when flossing.
Not Flossing Enough
Along with brushing your teeth twice a day, you must floss daily to prevent dental problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. Unfortunately, too many people skip this vital step in their oral hygiene routine. Bacteria and other debris accumulate in the small spaces between your teeth and gums, posing a threat to your oral health. By flossing your teeth once a day, you’re successfully removing these threats and keeping your mouth as healthy as can be.
Flossing at the Wrong Time
Brushing alone is not able to remove all the food particles, bacteria, and plaque from your mouth – but flossing can help. To keep your smile as healthy as possible, make sure you floss your teeth right before bed. Saliva flow decreases while you sleep, meaning any debris left on your pearly whites overnight has a higher chance of starting bacterial breakdown or causing gum inflammation.
Brushing and Flossing in the Wrong Order
Most people don’t know this, but there is an ideal protocol when it comes to brushing and flossing. One study found that flossing before brushing can significantly lower the amount of plaque between your teeth. That’s because when small spaces are first cleaned with floss, fluoride can coat the cleaned areas better and protect them against tooth decay.
Using the Wrong Type of Floss
Did you know that there are different types of floss? You must find one that effectively cleans your teeth and gums. The type that’ll perform best depends on factors like the amount of room between your teeth, whether you have dental restorations, and whether gum issues are present. For teeth with tight spaces or a lot of dental work, dentists recommend using thinner material. But for those with larger gaps or more gum issues, a thicker fiber can aid in cleaning.
Not Flossing the Entire Tooth
Don’t just floss between your teeth – make sure you’re wrapping the string around the side surface of the tooth as well. Essentially, you must slide the floss up and down while rubbing the back of the tooth. With that technique, you’ll be successfully removing any food particles, bacteria, plaque, or other debris from your pearly whites.
Do you think you’re flossing incorrectly? Don’t worry – it’s not too late to improve your technique. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. David Brumbaugh is passionate about giving patients exceptional, state-of-the-art, compassionate dental care. He enjoys building meaningful and long-lasting relationships with everyone that walks through his doors. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Brumbaugh is qualified and skilled enough to give you a smile you’ll proudly show off. To learn more about flossing, visit our website or call (214) 307-9227.
