Why Flossing Is an Important Part of Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth, but your toothbrush can’t effectively clean between them. That’s where dental floss comes in.
At Pomerado Family Dental, we encourage patients to floss every day as part of a complete oral hygiene routine. Daily flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from areas that are difficult for a toothbrush to reach, reducing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
How to Floss Your Teeth Correctly
Using proper flossing technique allows you to clean between your teeth without injuring your gums.
Step 1: Use Enough Floss
Start with approximately 18 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about two inches stretched tightly between your thumbs and index fingers.
Step 2: Gently Slide the Floss Between Your Teeth
Guide the floss carefully between two teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion. Avoid snapping the floss into your gums, which can cause irritation.
Step 3: Form a “C” Shape Around Each Tooth
Curve the floss around one tooth, creating a “C” shape. Slide it beneath the gumline and move it gently up and down several times.
Repeat the process on the neighboring tooth before removing the floss.
Step 4: Use a Clean Section of Floss
Move to a fresh section of floss before cleaning the next space. Continue until you’ve flossed every tooth—including behind your last molars.
How Often Should You Floss?
Most patients should floss once every day. Daily flossing helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning.
Consistency is more important than the time of day. Whether you floss in the morning or before bed, developing a daily routine helps keep your gums healthier.
Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?
Many dental professionals recommend flossing before brushing because flossing loosens plaque and food particles from between your teeth, allowing your toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean those areas more effectively.
However, the most important thing is simply flossing every day.
Which Type of Dental Floss Is Best?
Several types of floss are available, and the best choice often depends on your teeth and personal preference.
Waxed Dental Floss
Waxed floss slides more easily between tightly spaced teeth and is one of the most popular choices.
Unwaxed Dental Floss
Some patients prefer unwaxed floss because it produces a slight squeaking sensation against clean teeth.
Dental Tape
Dental tape is wider and flatter than traditional floss and may be more comfortable for people with larger spaces between their teeth.
Super Floss
Super floss is designed for cleaning around bridges, braces, and other dental restorations.
Floss Picks
Disposable floss picks offer convenience for patients who have difficulty using traditional floss. While they may not replace every benefit of standard floss, they are often better than not flossing at all.
Common Flossing Mistakes
- Snapping floss into the gums
- Skipping the back teeth
- Using the same section of floss repeatedly
- Only flossing when food gets stuck
- Not flossing below the gumline
Benefits of Daily Flossing
Flossing every day can help:
- Reduce plaque buildup
- Lower the risk of cavities
- Help prevent gingivitis and gum disease
- Reduce bad breath
- Support healthier gums
- Protect dental work such as crowns and bridges
Learn more about protecting your smile in our guide to good oral hygiene.
When Should You Visit the Dentist?
If your gums bleed frequently while flossing, don’t stop flossing. Bleeding gums may be an early sign of inflammation or gum disease rather than flossing itself.
Our article about bleeding gums explains common causes and when it’s time to schedule an evaluation.
Routine general dentistry visits allow us to detect problems early and recommend the best treatment for your smile.
Healthy Smiles Start With Good Oral Hygiene
At Pomerado Family Dental, we’re committed to helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums through preventive dental care, education, and personalized treatment.
If you’re due for a cleaning or have questions about your oral hygiene routine, schedule an appointment today. Our team is happy to demonstrate proper flossing techniques and recommend products that fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Floss
How often should I floss?
Most dentists recommend flossing once every day to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth.
Should I floss before or after brushing?
Flossing before brushing may help your toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste clean between your teeth more effectively, but flossing consistently is more important than the order.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
Bleeding gums are often caused by inflammation from plaque buildup. Regular flossing and professional dental cleanings usually help improve gum health over time.
Is a water flosser as good as regular floss?
Water flossers can be an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine, especially for people with braces or dental implants. Your dentist can recommend whether you should use one along with traditional floss.
What type of dental floss is best?
Waxed, unwaxed, dental tape, super floss, and floss picks can all be effective. The best choice depends on your teeth, restorations, and personal preference.
By Pomerado Family Dental