Why Flossing is a Non-Negotiable Part of Oral Hygiene

Do you floss everyday? If not, you might be missing a crucial step in your oral hygiene routine. Flossing is just as important as brushing, if not more, for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It’s the key to cleaning areas that your toothbrush simply can’t reach: the spaces between your teeth. In this blog by our dentists in Essex, we’ll explore why flossing is a non-negotiable part of oral hygiene, including the benefits, the consequences of skipping, and how to floss correctly.  

What are the Benefits of Flossing for Your Oral Hygiene? 

Flossing does more than just remove food particles stuck between your teeth. It plays a crucial role in removing plaque – an invisible layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can lead to gum disease and cavities.  

Some of the key benefits of flossing include: 

Prevents gum disease: 

Flossing helps remove plaque along the gumline which reduces your risk of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. By removing bacteria, it keeps your gums healthy and free from inflammation. 

Reduces cavities between teeth: 

Cavities often form between teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach. Flossing helps to remove plaque in these tight spaces, preventing tooth decay and preserving your teeth. 

Improves overall health: 

Research has shown that maintaining good oral hygiene through flossing can have positive effects on your overall health, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease and other systemic issues. 

What are the Consequences of Skipping Flossing?  

Skipping flossing can have a significant impact on your oral health and cause numerous oral hygiene issues, including: 

Plaque build-up and tartar: 

Without flossing, plaque remains between your teeth and along the gumline, eventually turning into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist, and its presence increases the risk of gum disease. 

Gum disease and tooth decay: 

Plaque and tartar lead to gingivitis, which can progress into more severe gum disease, like periodontitis. This can cause gum recession, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss. Flossing effectively stops this from happening.  

Bad breath:  

Plaque and food particles trapped between teeth can lead to bad breath, which can easily be avoided by flossing regularly. 

How to Floss the Right Way  

Flossing isn’t effective if it isn’t done properly. Here’s how to floss the right way: 

1. Use a length of floss: 

Take about 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving an inch or two to work with. 

2. Gentle motion: 

Slide the floss gently between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to snap it, as this could damage your gums.  

3. Form a C shape: 

Once the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape around each tooth and gently slide it under the gumline to remove plaque.  

4. Don’t forget the back teeth: 

Make sure to floss the back teeth, as they’re just as susceptible to plaque build-up.  

If you find that flossing is painful, it’s usually a sign that you need to floss more, so it’s important to power through if you can. You can use waxed floss, floss picks, or water pickers to make the experience more comfortable.  

Floss Your Way to a Brighter Smile  

Flossing is a simple and effective measure that can drastically improve your oral health. If you’re unsure about your flossing technique or need advice on how to improve your oral care routine, Perfect Smile Spa is here to help.  

Our experienced team of dentists in Essex can provide personalised guidance and professional cleanings to ensure your teeth and gums are in the best possible condition.  

Why not book your free consultation today to discover what we can do for your oral health?