How Important Is Flossing, Really?

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Do you keep your regular cleaning appointments? If so, you’ve heard it before: you need to be flossing more. But is this all talk or is flossing really so important? In fact, flossing is key to preventing decay and maintaining a beautiful smile. If you are not seeing results from your regular flossing, you may not be flossing properly.

The Benefits of Regular Flossing

Proper regular flossing has a lot of benefits.

  • Dislodges food particles that can cause discomfort and decay
  • Removes bacteria from between your teeth
  • Stimulates and cleans gums to prevent gum disease
  • “Tightens” gums to reduce swelling and inflammation

Are You Flossing Correctly?

Flossing may seem straightforward, but in fact, many patients are doing it incorrectly. By choosing a good floss and using proper technique, you can look forward to great dental health.

Choosing a Floss

When buying floss, tailor your choice to your own teeth. Floss comes in a variety of thicknesses, as well as both waxed and unwaxed options. If you have widely or loosely set teeth, a thick floss will be most effective. People with particularly wide-set teeth or gaps should try dental tape, a particularly thick floss. If you have tight teeth, on the other hand, thin floss will be more comfortable. Waxed floss may be better for an increased slip.

How to Floss

Pull off an arm’s length of floss and wind it around your middle fingers, leaving 1-2 inches free. Hold the floss taught with your thumbs and index fingers and place it between two teeth. Run the floss up and down the edges of each tooth. Be careful not to saw the floss against the gums, as this can cause damage and bleeding. Move the floss between your fingers as you go so that you are always using a fresh piece.

Schedule an Appointment

Our goal at O’Malley Dental in Simpsonville, SC is to set you up for lifelong dental health. If you have questions about proper flossing, Dr. Ryan O’Malley will be happy to help at your next dental cleaning and checkup. To schedule an appointment, contact us on our website or at 864-962-7672.