Brushing your teeth is not enough to completely clean your teeth. We have heard that fact many times from our dentists and dental hygienists. These dental professionals even reiterate that flossing is a significant part of a proper oral health routine, but sadly most of us would take this practice for granted. To help gain perspective about how important this oral habit is, here are some flossing facts that we want to share with you.
7 Flossing facts
Flossing complements brushing
Did you know that brushing your teeth only removes approximately 70% of germs on the surface of your teeth? This fact is the reason why you are still vulnerable to developing tooth decay even if you brush twice a day. Flossing removes all food debris and particles stuck in between the tiny spaces of your teeth. This practice blocks the bacteria from eating leftover food and causing plaque and tartar buildup.
There is no perfect time for flossing
You can floss anytime you want, and the benefit stays the same. You can before or after eating breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks. Yes! Just floss your teeth once a day and pair it with brushing twice daily, and you can distance yourself from the threat of having cavities.
There is a proper way of flossing
Using a flossing thread measuring between 18 and 20 inches long, wrap each end on both your middle fingers. Leave at least 3-4 inches free and hold the middle part with your index and thumb fingers. Gently insert the floss between the spaces of the teeth and rub the thread up and down. Do this repeatedly to each surface of the teeth using a different facet of the floss, adjusting the thread so a new side gets to floss a new interdental space. The length of the floss you use ensures that you have enough clean floss surface to use and that the thread can be firmly grasped while in use.
There are different kinds and flavors of flosses
Yes, you read it right! Floss threads made using nylon or silk are called multifilament flosses, while floss string made with plastic, rubber, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are called monofilaments. Of these materials, the nylon flosses are the cheapest and most common, and the plastic or rubber flosses are the most expensive and new. These dental threads also come in different flavors to attract kids and kids at heart to floss and make it more enjoyable. Expect that you will see floss flavors in cinnamon, bubblegum, and even bacon!
Once you start flossing, make it a habit
The reason is that once you irregularly floss your teeth, the more your teeth and gums would become sensitive to it. Most people who tried flossing the first time feel scared because their gums bled during the procedure, or that they feel some discomfort while cleaning their teeth. These complaints are usual with flossing, and you can expect that once you get the hang of it and us do it every day, your gums would adjust and the bleeding, irritation, and discomfort will subside and disappear.
Patients with braces can floss too!
Orthodontic procedures that use wires and brackets may make flossing sound like a frustrating dental habit. Can you imagine trying to slide the threads in between your teeth without breaking or displacing the wires and gears of your dental braces? But orthodontists advise their patients that they can still floss their teeth even if they have metal parts attached to their teeth. Using interdental brushes, floss threaders, and floss picks, you can easily remove food particles stuck in between your teeth without having the thread break easily because of your orthodontic treatment.
Kids should start flossing early
You do not need to have a complete set of permanent teeth to start flossing. Do you know that once a child develops teeth that grow side to side, it is the start of his flossing journey? This is one of the flossing facts that sounds ridiculous but true. Besides, there is no harm done if we train them to start early, right?
