Importance of Flossing

Good dental hygiene takes more than just brushing your teeth. Flossing everyday in addition to brushing will increase your oral health while decreasing all of the unwanted bacteria, plaque along the gum line, and decreasing your chances of having periodontal disease (gum disease). Unfortunately, people are uninformed when it comes to flossing. People have admitted to flossing their teeth with their own hair (ew!) and as Dr. Nigel Carter reports, even using random instruments around the house such as "needles, keys, screwdrivers and earrings" to pick at their teeth.

Why should I floss?
Flossing is exercised to actually clean the tooth surfaces that your tooth brush cannot reach, not the spaces inbetween teeth. There are numerous flosses to choose from, including waxed and unwaxed, flavored or unflavored, and regular floss or tape. You should consult your dentist to learn what the best type of floss is for you.

Flossing can add years to your life. As reported by Dr. Michael F. Roizen, routine flossing can add six years to one's life. This is because you are removing the bacteria that causes periodontal diseases. If the bacteria is left to accumulate, the immune system may start to attack the bacteria, which ages your arteries. Flossing removes the bacteria that can cause various cardiovascular diseases and has been tested on people with various diseases showing results that those with good oral hygiene were coping with their disease better than those who did not take care of their teeth and mouth.

How do I floss?
Flossing may seem difficult at first, but by putting it into your regular dental routine you will quickly pick up a technique that works best for you. You should floss before brushing once a day. Flossing will loosen up all the plaque, bacteria and other debris your toothbrush would not be able to reach otherwise. When you follow flossing with brushing you will effectively remove the unwanted material.

1. Begin with about 18 inches of floss.
2. Wrap floss around your middle fingers, leaving about an inch to pinch tightly in between your forefingers.
3. Gently work the floss between your teeth. Make sure you do not snap the floss because this could damage the soft gum tissue.
4. Once the floss is in between your teeth, work in a 'C' shape around the tooth. Move the floss to go slightly below the gum line to reach all of the plaque lining the base of the tooth.
5. Scrape both sides of each tooth. As you move to the next tooth to clean, progress to a clean piece of the floss.

These steps are animated at SimpleSteps to Better Dental Health and Flossing Tips.