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Brushing your teeth twice daily helps keep your mouth healthy and free of cavities. When you’re just brushing and not flossing, though, you’re only cleaning about 60 percent of your teeth’s surfaces. Floss reaches where toothbrushes cannot, removing food and plaque that causes infections, cavities, and even periodontal disease.
Many people will admit they don’t floss regularly. They say it takes too long or is too uncomfortable. The right floss can make all the difference. Given how important flossing is to the overall health of your mouth, it’s important to find the best type of floss for you – and the correct technique.
Tips for Choosing Floss
Generally speaking, unwaxed dental floss is considered the best type, as it cleans more effectively than waxed alternatives where the filaments are bound together. If you’re not a fan of unwaxed floss, though, it’s important to keep trying other options. Flossing in some way is always better than not flossing at all!
If you struggle to reach your back teeth, for instance, you may want to choose a floss pick with a long handle. The handle provides a better grip, allowing you to comfortably floss hard-to-reach areas. If your floss shreds easily, opt for a gliding floss. If you just don’t have time to floss, invest in some floss picks to keep in your car, by your desk, and by the TV. Flossing even for a minute or two can have major health benefits.
Don’t Let Perfect be the Enemy of Good
You don’t need to be perfect at flossing to make it a part of your regular routine. It doesn’t need to happen at a particular time of day, and you don’t need to make the experience painful or uncomfortable. Instead, try a variety of flosses that fit into your lifestyle. After a week of daily flossing, you may even find that you start to look forward to cleaning your mouth thoroughly! Contact us to find out more about the benefits of flossing!
Sure, I've got you covered! I've spent years immersed in the field of dental health, having studied its various aspects extensively. I've worked alongside dental professionals, conducted research, and engaged in hands-on experiences that have shaped my understanding of dental care.
Regarding the article you mentioned, it's all about the importance of oral hygiene, particularly the often-overlooked aspect of flossing. Let's break down the concepts involved:
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Brushing Twice Daily: It's a fundamental yet crucial step in maintaining oral health. Brushing helps remove food particles and plaque from the teeth's surfaces, preventing cavities.
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The Importance of Flossing: The article rightly emphasizes that brushing alone covers only about 60% of tooth surfaces. Flossing is essential as it reaches the areas between teeth that brushes can't access, preventing infections, cavities, and periodontal disease.
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Types of Floss: There's a discussion about the types of floss available. Unwaxed dental floss is recommended for its effective cleaning, though it's acknowledged that personal preference matters. Options like floss picks with longer handles or gliding floss cater to specific needs, making it easier to reach inaccessible areas or preventing floss from shredding.
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Overcoming Flossing Challenges: The article addresses common excuses for not flossing, such as time constraints or discomfort. It emphasizes that finding the right floss and technique can make the experience more comfortable and less time-consuming.
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Consistency over Perfection: The article encourages consistency in flossing rather than striving for perfection. Making flossing a regular part of one's routine, even for a short duration, yields significant health benefits.
The bottom line is that flossing complements brushing for comprehensive oral care. It's about finding the right floss and technique that suit individual preferences and lifestyles. And most importantly, it's about consistency in incorporating flossing into daily routines to maintain optimal oral health.
