We’ve all heard that we’re supposed to floss every day, but most of us don’t. And even if we do try to floss, it’s not always the most pleasant experience. In fact, it can be downright sucky. So why do we bother? What are the benefits of flossing and is it really worth our time? Keep reading to find out!
The science of flossing – what it does and doesn’t do?
Although the jury is still out on whether flossing is truly effective, many dentists believe that there is strong evidence to suggest that it can be beneficial. After all, they have seen firsthand the differences between the teeth and gums of people who floss regularly and those who don’t. In general, those who floss tend to have healthier gums and fewer cavities. While scientists may not yet have definitive proof that flossing is effective, it seems prudent to err on the side of caution and continue to clean between your teeth with a sturdy string. After all, it can’t hurt and it just might help.
Flossing is a necessary part of oral hygiene. The act of flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and gums – but only if done correctly. If you don’t floss properly, you’re not doing much to improve your oral health.
Here’s what flossing does to your teeth:
- Flossing removes plaque between your teeth and gums, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems.
- Flossing allows you to examine your teeth, tongue, and gums in detail for any swelling or redness.
- Reduced bad breath by removing the food particles trapped between your teeth.
- Can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases (paired with proper and regular brushing).
So what if you don’t floss?
If you don’t floss, you’re at a greater risk for gum disease and other oral health problems. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss, and it’s caused by plaque and bacteria that are not removed with brushing and flossing.
You’re at risk for two significant dental problems in your mouth if you don’t floss:
- Gingivitis
- Tooth decay
You can’t scrape away dental plaque if you don’t floss. With that in mind, you are allowing 1000+ bacteria to linger in your mouth and cause serious gum problems. The same dental plaque that causes gingivitis can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria that will destroy the enamel between your teeth, consequently forming a cavity.
Flossing doesn’t have to be a chore. With a bit of effort, you can make it something that you actually enjoy doing.
If left unchecked, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more serious condition that damages the gums and connective tissue that support the teeth. In addition, the same bacteria that cause gingivitis can also damage tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. Therefore, it is important to remove plaque from your teeth on a regular basis in order to prevent both gingivitis and cavities.
Why people hate flossing – the challenges and excuses
There are a number of reasons why people hate flossing, and some of them are valid. For instance, flossing can be difficult if you have braces or other dental appliances. It can also be challenging to reach all the way back to your molars. Additionally, some people simply don’t like the feeling of string between their teeth.
All of these are valid concerns, but they shouldn’t stop you from flossing. There are a number of ways to make flossing easier, such as using an electric toothbrush with a built-in flosser or investing in water flossers or oral irrigators. If you have braces, there are special tools that can help you reach all the nooks and crannies. And as for the feeling of string between your teeth, well, you’ll just have to get used to it!
Water flossers are often recommended for those who wear braces, but it turns out that anybody may use one.
Here are a couple of our top recommendations:
- Sonicare Airfloss Ultra
- Panasonic Cordless Water Flosser
- Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser
- Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0
The bottom line is this: flossing is an important part of oral hygiene, and there’s no getting around it. If you don’t like the traditional method of flossing, there are a number of alternatives that can make the process easier. Don’t let excuses stand in the way of taking care of your teeth!
How to make flossing more comfortable and less time-consuming?
Flossing is one of those things that we’re all supposed to do, but very few of us actually enjoy. It’s uncomfortable, time-consuming, and let’s be honest. So why do we keep doing it?
The answer is simple: we’ve been told by our dentists, our parents, and society at large that flossing is essential to maintaining good oral health. And while it’s true that flossing can help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, it’s not the be-all-end-all of oral care.
There are a few things you can do to make flossing more comfortable and less time-consuming.
- First, invest in good-quality floss. There are many types of floss on the market, so find one that suits your needs.
- Second, use an electric toothbrush with a built-in flosser. These can be a game-changer when it comes to making flossing easier.
- Third, understand the benefits of flossing.
- Finally, reward yourself for flossing and in the process build a habit. Choose something you really enjoy and make it your reward for flossing every day. This could be anything from a piece of chocolate to watching an extra episode of your favorite TV show.
Flossing doesn’t have to be a chore. With a bit of effort, you can make it something that you actually enjoy doing. Try out these tips and see for yourself how easy and rewarding flossing can be.
Final Thoughts
If you’re like most people, the idea of flossing your teeth probably doesn’t make you jump for joy. In fact, it may be one of the last things on your mind. We get it – flossing can be a pain. At iSmile Dental Centre, we know that it’s important to floss regularly if you want to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you’re overdue for your next cleaning, call us today to schedule an appointment – we would be happy to help!
