How Often Should You Floss Your Teeth?

Your dentist likely told you that flossing is essential for maintaining good dental health. But with differing opinions floating around, like flossing every time you brush or after every meal, and with busy schedules getting in the way, the question remains: how often should you floss your teeth? 

Flossing at least once a day can help remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris around the teeth and gumline to prevent cavities and gum disease. 

Read along as we explore the role of flossing in dental health, recommended practices, and more.

The Vital Role of Flossing in Dental Health

Before we plunge into how often you should floss, it's crucial to understand why this practice is so vital. Floss is the perfect partner for your toothbrush. While your toothbrush can't access hard-to-reach areas, floss can. 

Flossing is your weapon against plaque, the sticky and colourless film of bacteria that forms between your teeth when starchy and sugary foods interact with the bacteria in your mouth. Over time, this can lead to dental issues like gum disease and cavities, and if left untreated, even tooth loss.

How Often Should You Floss?

Are you flossing enough? To protect your oral health, the Canadian Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once a day. 

While brushing helps to clean the visible surfaces of your teeth, if plaque remains, it can harden into tartar. You won’t be able to remove tartar by brushing alone, it requires professional cleaning by your dentist or dental hygienist. 

By not flossing at least once a day, a third of the tooth's surface remains uncleaned. Daily flossing also prevents plaque from establishing a harmful biofilm between your teeth and stimulates the gums, reducing plaque bacteria.

When Is the Best Time to Floss?

Brushing is second nature for many people. If you make flossing a part of your brushing routine, it’ll be easier to remember. But should you floss before or after brushing your teeth?

If you brush first and floss after, bacteria, plaque, and food debris released from flossing remain in the mouth until removed the next time you brush. For this reason, flossing first and brushing after is more effective at removing plaque and maintaining fluoride in your teeth. 

Choosing the Right Floss

Are you using the correct floss for your teeth? Dental tape, waxed, unwaxed, flavoured, and unflavored all work, but some might work better for you than others. 

For instance, tight teeth might benefit from a narrow or thinner floss. If it's a matter of comfort, experimenting with different types might lead you to the perfect fit.

Recommended Practices for Effective Flossing

Proper technique is key to reaping the full benefits of flossing. Here is how to floss your teeth:

  • Use a string of floss long enough from your hand to your shoulder. 

  • Wind most of the floss around one middle finger, leaving 2 inches between your hands to work with. 

  • Glide it gently between your teeth. 

  • Form a 'C' shape around each tooth, move the floss up and down 2 to 3 times, and be gentle at the gum line. 

  • Check the floss and move to a new part of it as it picks up particles. 

  • Don't forget to floss both sides of each tooth and the back of your last tooth. 

Special Considerations for Different Dental Conditions

Those with braces, bridges, or wide spaces in their teeth may benefit from alternatives like pre-threaded flossers, soft picks, or water flossers. Always consult your dentist for options if your dental health presents unique challenges.

Common Flossing Mistakes

Unfortunately, not all flossing is equal, and some mistakes can do more harm than good.

Over-Flossing

Believe it or not, it's possible to overdo it with flossing. Aggressively flossing your teeth can cause damage to your gums, leading to bleeding and potential recession. Flossing, when done too often or too hard, can also lead to a groove developing in the tooth root.

Incorrect Technique

Sometimes, floss can glide between teeth without managing to clean the surface. Incorrect technique can create a false notion that you are effectively flossing when, in reality, you might not be.

Neglecting Certain Areas

Do you find yourself habitually skipping the sides of certain teeth? It can lead to the same problem as over-flossing, where food particles and plaque build-up cause damage. Consistency and thoroughness are what you're aiming for.

Other Dental Hygiene Tips

While we've focused mainly on flossing, it's important to remember that it's part of a broader dental care regimen that includes:

  • Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

  • Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and check-ups to nip any potential issues in the bud.

For extra protection against decay, consider incorporating mouthwash into your routine.

The Power of Daily Flossing

Flossing at least once daily can help prevent cavities and other dental issues. With proper technique, flossing is more effective at removing plaque and food debris. 

If you follow the technique and tips outlined in this blog, don't be surprised if your dentist compliments you on your flossing skills at your next visit. 

For all your dental needs and concerns, book an appointment with Shine Dental. 

Oral Health, Oral CareJonathan WiebeShine Dental