Flossing is the process of cleaning between your teeth and along the gumline to remove food particles and plaque that your toothbrush misses. It's a crucial part of maintaining good oral hygiene, preventing gum disease, and keeping your teeth healthy.
Why is Flossing Important?
Even with meticulous brushing, your toothbrush can't reach all the areas between your teeth and under the gumline. These tight spaces are prime locations for plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that, if left undisturbed, can harden into tartar, leading to cavities and gum disease. Flossing disrupts plaque formation before it hardens, significantly reducing your risk of these problems. As stated by the American Dental Association (ADA), "[e]ven the best toothbrush can't fully cleanse the spaces between your teeth. That's why the American Dental Association recommends you floss once a day to..." (MouthHealthy.org). The process also polishes tooth surfaces, contributing to overall oral health.
What Flossing Achieves:
- Removes plaque and food particles: Floss reaches areas a toothbrush can't, effectively removing trapped debris between teeth. The American Dental Association highlights that dental floss "[r]emove[s] food trapped between the teeth in a way toothbrush bristles alone cannot." (ADA.org).
- Reduces gum disease risk: By preventing plaque buildup, flossing significantly minimizes your chances of developing gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (more serious gum disease). The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) states that flossing "cleans between the teeth where brushing can't reach. The goal is to disrupt the formation of dental plaque before it calcifies to form…" (NIDCR.nih.gov).
- Improves overall oral health: Regular flossing contributes to healthier gums, stronger teeth, and fresher breath.
How to Floss Effectively:
- Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most of it around your middle fingers.
- Hold a small section taut between your thumbs and index fingers.
- Gently guide the floss between each tooth, curving it around each tooth in a "C" shape.
- Avoid snapping the floss against your gums, as this can cause injury.
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
Note: Eastern Virginia Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes the importance of flossing each side of the space between teeth separately to avoid injuring the gum tissue. (evapd.com)
