How Often Should I Floss, Really?

Flossing is an important part of maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. Yet, many people are unsure how often they should do it. And the recommended advice from dental professionals can vary, too, leaving the oral-hygienically inclined unsure as to how, and when, to proceed.

The answer is simple — and the benefits are clear — for a healthy mouth.

What is Flossing, and Why Is It Important?

Before knowing how often to floss, it’s worth reiterating why flossing is necessary.

Brushing is just one-half of your brushing-flossing oral hygiene tag team. Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between teeth. When plaque and food particles are left between teeth (even after brushing), they can lead to cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Regular flossing can help prevent these problems and maintain good oral hygiene for a lifetime.

All the Benefits of Flossing

It may just be string, but using floss carries many benefits:

Flossing prevents cavities: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth, preventing the buildup of bacteria that can cause cavities.
Flossing prevents gum disease: For the same reasons (plaque removal), flossing can help to stave off bacteria that can lead to gingivitis and gum disease.
Flossing freshens breath: Food particles and bacteria that remain between your teeth and between the gum line can cause bad breath. Using floss religiously helps avoid these causes of halitosis.
Flossing saves money: By preventing cavities and gum disease, flossing can save you money on expensive dental procedures down the road.

The Scary Risks of Not Flossing

Some people boast about never flossing. And that’s nothing to be proud of. Not flossing regularly can lead to several oral problems, including:

Cavities: When food particles and plaque are left between teeth, they can cause cavities.
Gum disease: When plaque is left along the gum line, it can cause gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
Bad breath: Food particles and bacteria can cause bad breath.
Expensive dental procedures: If cavities and gum disease are left untreated, they can lead to expensive dental appointments like fillings, root canals, gum flap surgery, and even tooth extraction when advanced gum disease leads to gum recession.

So, How Often Should I Floss?

Most dental professionals recommend flossing once a day. This is because plaque and food particles can build up between teeth in as little as 24 hours. Flossing once a day can help prevent this buildup and maintain good oral hygiene. If you choose one time to floss, do it before bed, after brushing, to prevent plaque buildup during the night and protect your teeth and gums.

However, some people may benefit from flossing more often. For example, if you have braces or other dental appliances, you may need to floss more frequently to remove food particles from around them. If you have a history of gum disease or cavities, your dentist may recommend flossing twice a day, or after each time you brush (recommended after each meal).

Helpful Tips for Effective Flossing

To get the most out of your flossing routine, follow these tips:

Use enough floss: Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around one finger and the rest around the other finger. This will allow you to use a fresh section of floss between each tooth.
Use proper technique: Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Be sure to curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making a C shape, to ensure that you are removing plaque from along the gum line.
Don’t forget the back teeth: It’s easy to forget to floss the teeth in the back of your mouth (i.e. your molars), but these teeth are just as important as the front teeth. Pay close attention to them, since these are the teeth we use to chew the most, where food particles and plaque can remain.
Use the right floss: There are many different types of floss available; waxed, unwaxed, flavored, unflavored, floss tape, super floss, disposable flossers and water flossers. Choose one you like that works well for your teeth and gums.

Brush and Floss Your Way to Radiant Teeth and Gums

We believe in healthy teeth for life, and that means maintaining your smile by visiting the dentist regularly and taking care of your teeth and gums between checkups. At Radiance Dental, we want to make sure we provide you with complete dental care, and how brushing and flossing are key to better home dental care. The first step toward achieving a healthy, radiant smile is to schedule an appointment today.