The Importance of Flossing
Do you floss every day? Perhaps you only floss when something annoying gets stuck between your teeth, but it is an essential part of every preventive dental care routine and is a habit our dentists in Bowmanville strongly encourage.
Why Is Flossing So Important?
Flossing is as important as brushing your teeth, as while your toothbrush can clean your tooth surfaces adequately, it cannot reach in between each tooth. These contact areas between your teeth are more susceptible to harbouring plaque and food debris, so your risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease in Newcastle increases.
We can put this another way: brushing your teeth cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. The remaining 40% accounts for the contact areas between your teeth, so as you can see, if you fail to floss, you are leaving a substantial area uncleaned.
The Benefits of Daily Flossing
When you floss every day, you effectively remove plaque, which harbours bacteria that feast on leftover food. Flossing helps stimulate your gums, keeping them healthier and stronger.
Additionally, removing bacteria in plaque helps you maintain fresh breath. These bacteria can produce noxious odours, and food trapped between your teeth can also start to rot.
Different Types of Dental Floss
It’s important to choose the right type of dental floss, as it will help you floss more effectively and comfortably. Some of the most common types available include the following.
Waxed Floss
Waxed dental floss is smoother, making it ideal if you have tightly packed teeth. Because it is waxed, it is less likely to shred or fall apart as you floss, but it may begin to fray if you overuse a section.
Unwaxed Floss
Dental floss without a wax coating tends to be thinner. It may be more prone to shredding if your teeth are tightly packed.
Dental Tape
Dental tape tends to be flatter than ordinary floss. It can be a great choice if you have larger gaps between your teeth, and if you are new to flossing, you might find it easier to start with.
PTFE Floss
This dental floss consists of a single filament and is very smooth, ideal if you have tightly packed teeth.
Super Floss
This is specifically designed for cleaning around dental appliances, including implants, bridges and dental braces. Super floss comes in easy-to-use, precut sections.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are small brushes that fit between your teeth and are very easy to use. They come in different sizes, and you may need to use a selection to clean between each tooth effectively.
Floss Picks
These are pre-threaded, consisting of a small plastic handle with a piece of floss attached to two prongs. Like interdental brushes, they are very easy to use.
Water Flosser
A water flosser, such as a WaterPik, uses a jet of pressurized water to clean between your teeth. It is fast and effective, and can be a good choice for anyone who struggles with conventional dental floss.
Get the Right Advice from the Experts
If you only floss infrequently and would like to make it a daily habit, why not ask our friendly dental team at West Bowmanville Family Dental? Our dental hygienist in Clarington can examine your teeth, discuss your oral hygiene habits and make some useful recommendations.
We can also show you how to floss properly, using simple techniques that will help you clean your teeth thoroughly, requiring minimal effort and time. It doesn’t take long for flossing to become a habit, and your reward will be healthy teeth and gums in Courtice, as well as a reduced risk of oral disease.
