Why You Should Use Dental Floss

If you skip flossing, you can miss about 40% of the tooth’s surface. This could lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria that could lead to gum disease and bad breath. To ensure full protection, we recommend adding flossing to your daily routine.

Never flossed before? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about the importance of flossing and how you can easily add this to your daily routine.

Why use dental floss?

Dental floss helps to prevent gum disease by getting rid of pieces of food and plaque from between your teeth.

Plaque is a sticky substance made of bacteria. If it builds up, the bacteria can irritate the gums and cause inflammation (swelling). If left untreated, this swelling can cause your gums to recede, and this could lead to tooth loss.

If your dentist advises you to clean between your teeth (interdental cleaning), they may recommend using dental floss. There are lots of different types of dental floss available, so you can choose the method that works best for you.

How to use dental floss

Dental floss is a thin, soft thread made of nylon or plastic that removes food and plaque from between your teeth.

If you use dental floss incorrectly, it can damage your gums. You should therefore follow your dentist’s advice about using dental floss, including how often you should use it. The tips below may also help.

• Cut off a section of floss about 45cm (18 inches) long. Wind it around the middle fingers of each hand.

• Grip the floss with your thumb and forefinger of each hand so that the floss between your hands is about 2.5 – 5cm (1−2 inches) long. Pull it tight so you can insert the floss in a gap between two teeth.

• Gently guide the floss up and down against the sides of the teeth and under the gumline.

• Use a circular movement with your fingers as you use the floss. This will help you to floss under the gumline without causing any damage.

• Repeat this process for the next gap, along the side of the next tooth.

• Unwind a fresh section of floss for each tooth, winding the used floss onto the middle finger of your other hand as you go along.

• Make sure you floss between every single tooth. Working to a pattern round the whole of your mouth makes it less likely that you’ll miss out any teeth.

• Remember you also need to floss between the teeth at the back of your mouth.

What if I find flossing difficult?

If you find holding the floss difficult, you could try using a floss holder (also called floss wands) or flosser. These hold the floss for you and some people find them helpful. You can buy flossers from pharmacists (chemists) and supermarkets.

You can also use floss harps, which are a short length of floss held in a small plastic holder. This can be very helpful for reaching the teeth at the back of your mouth, particularly if you have a small mouth.

For larger gaps between your teeth, you might benefit from using interdental brushes. These are available in different widths, and you can ask your dentist for advice on which size would be best for you.

If you find flossing difficult, your dentist can give you advice about other ways of cleaning between your teeth, such as with a water flosser. Some people find this method easier, particularly if they struggle with fine motor movements.

What if my gums bleed?

When you first start flossing, your gums may be tender and bleed a little as you start to get rid of any plaque build-up. Carry on flossing your teeth and the bleeding should stop as your gums become healthier.

If you’re still getting regular bleeding after a few days, see your dentist. They can check if you’re flossing correctly.

If your gums bleed the first time that you floss, this is actually a sign that you really need to be completing this step. Keep going to make sure that your teeth and gums become healthier.

Looking for further advice?

If you’re struggling to care for your teeth, we recommend booking an appointment with our dental hygienist. They can offer advice and support on the best way to care for your teeth at home. If you’re struggling with any part of your oral hygiene routine, they can offer advice and practical support on how to brush and floss effectively.