Oral hygiene is an essential aspect of our daily routine that we often neglect. We may brush our teeth regularly, but we fail to realize the importance of flossing. Flossing is a vital part of oral hygiene that helps clean the spaces between teeth where toothbrushes cannot reach. But over time, several myths and misconceptions about flossing have emerged, leading people to question its effectiveness. In this blog, we will debunk these myths and explain the right way to floss.
Myth 1: Flossing Is Unnecessary
The most common myth about flossing is that it is unnecessary. Some people believe that brushing alone is enough to maintain good oral hygiene. However, this is far from the truth. Brushing only cleans the surface of the teeth, leaving the areas between the teeth untouched. Flossing helps remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from these areas, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Myth 2: Flossing Causes Gum Bleeding
Another myth about flossing is that it causes gum bleeding. While it is true that you may experience some bleeding when you first start flossing, it is not a sign that you should stop. Bleeding gums are often a sign of gum disease or gingivitis, which is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums. Flossing helps remove this buildup, reducing the risk of gum disease and bleeding. Over time, as your gums become healthier, the bleeding will stop.
Myth 3: Flossing Is Painful
Some people avoid flossing because they believe it is painful. However, flossing should not be painful if done correctly. Using a gentle back-and-forth motion, slide the floss between your teeth and up and down along the sides of each tooth. Be careful not to snap the floss or push it too hard against your gums. If you experience pain while flossing, it may be a sign of gum disease or tooth decay. In this case, it is important to see a dentist.
Myth 4: Flossing Is Time-Consuming
Many people avoid flossing because they believe it is time-consuming. However, flossing only takes a few minutes, and it is a small price to pay for good oral hygiene. If you find flossing difficult, you can try using a water flosser, which is a handheld device that sprays a stream of water between your teeth, removing food particles and bacteria.
Now that we have debunked the myths about flossing, let’s discuss the right way to floss.
The Right Way to Floss
- Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of the floss around one of your middle fingers and the rest around the same finger on the opposite hand.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
- Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Avoid snapping the floss into the gums.
- Curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line. Never force the floss or try to snap it into place.
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth, winding the used floss onto the finger holding the fresh floss.
- Rinse your mouth with water after flossing to remove any loosened plaque or food particles.
In conclusion, flossing is a vital part of oral hygiene that should not be neglected. It helps remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from the areas between your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. While there are several myths about flossing, such as it being unnecessary, causing gum bleeding or pain, or being time-consuming, these are all untrue. Flossing only takes a few minutes and, when done correctly, should not cause any pain or discomfort.
In addition to traditional flossing, there are also other options available, such as water flossers, which use a stream of water to clean between teeth. It is important to find a flossing method that works best for you and to make it a regular part of your oral hygiene routine.
Source: Colgate
Source: Newbury Dental Group