Flossing is the act of using a thin thread to clean between your teeth and gums. When done properly it helps remove food particles and plaque and disrupt bacteria. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice per day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day to maintain healthy oral hygiene.
I get asked all the time "does flossing really make a difference"? The answer is yes. Flossing disrupts bacteria and removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line, where a toothbrush can't reach. This prevents plaque from building up and damaging gums, teeth, and bones. Flossing reduces the risk of cavities, helps prevent gum disease which has been linked to diabetes and heart disease, freshens breath, keeps teeth cleaner and whiter, and can improve respiratory health by reducing the bacteria that can travel to the lungs.
Your dental hygienist can show you how to hold the floss and properly wrap the floss around the tooth. But for some, flossing can be extremely challenging and some people just don't like it. So what can you do to clean between the teeth instead of flossing?
Floss picks: I am not a huge fan of floss picks, but it is better than not cleaning between the teeth and gums. ( I also hate when I see them on the ground. Yuck.)
Tooth picks: Yes, good old wooden toothpicks can remove food and disrupt plaque and stimulate the gum tissue. But use with caution, and be careful not to poke your gum tissue.
Interdental brushes: Also known as proxybrushes, these small little brushes look like pipe cleaners and fit between the teeth. They're easy to use, reusable and do a decent job when used properly. They're also helpful under fixed bridgework. For caregivers, these are easier to use on a patient, rather than flossing.
Water Flossers: Also known as oral irrigators, waterflossers are devices that shoot a stream of water between your teeth to remove plaque and debris. My preferred water flosser is the Cordless Advance by Waterpik. It is easy to use, takes up less space, and takes less time to clean the unit because you don't have to deal with the cords. They can be used in the shower, the bathtub or at the sink. I have always been an excellent flosser, but started using a cordless Waterpik a few years ago and I am sold! (Yes, I still floss.)
So if you are a flosser, keep it up! If you are new to flossing and need some coaching, your dental hygienist can help. If you struggle with flossing because you have compromised manual dexterity, impaired vision, or simply don't like to floss, there are options available - remember, the goal is to clean between the teeth. Talk to your oral health provider to see which option would be best for you!
It's never too late to start flossing (or to start cleaning between your teeth)! Even if you have never flossed (or cleaned between your teeth), you can start today!
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