Flossing is often overlooked when it comes to oral hygiene. However, flossing is just as important as brushing. In fact, brushing only removes about 60% of plaque from your teeth. Flossing removes the remaining 40%, which can build up and lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on teeth. It is made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. When plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar. Tartar is a hard, brown deposit that can only be removed by a dentist.
Why is flossing important?
Flossing helps to remove plaque from the tight spaces between your teeth. These spaces are too small for a toothbrush to reach. If plaque is not removed from these spaces, it can build up and cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
How to floss?
Flossing is easy to do. Here are the steps:
- Break off about 18 inches of floss.
- Wrap the floss around your middle fingers and leave about 2 inches of floss between your hands.
- Gently slide the floss between two teeth.
- Curve the floss into a C-shape around the tooth and gently move it up and down, scraping the sides of the tooth.
- Repeat on each tooth, using a fresh piece of floss for each tooth.
How often should I floss?
The Australian Dental Association recommends flossing once a day. However, some people may need to floss more often, especially if they have a lot of plaque buildup.
Flossing tips
- Use waxed floss or floss with a flavour to make it easier to slide between your teeth.
- If you have sensitive gums, you can use a water flosser instead of string floss.
- Be gentle when flossing. Don’t use too much force, or you could damage your gums.
Flossing is an important part of a healthy oral hygiene routine. By flossing daily, you can help to prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
In addition to flossing, you should also brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. And don’t forget to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
By taking care of your teeth, you can help to ensure a healthy smile for years to come.
