To Floss or Not to Floss: That is the Question

Do I Need to Floss My Teeth?

I get asked this question a lot.

I think people keep asking because they’d like a different answer.

But there’s actually no question about it! You must floss.

4 Reasons You Must Floss Your Teeth

1. The bacteria between your teeth is very damaging. Brushing and saliva can help remove bacteria from the surface areas of your teeth and mouth, but nothing else can remove the bacteria between your teeth except flossing.
2. Along with brushing, daily flossing is one of the best ways to prevent dental problems and disease.
3. The more you floss, the healthier your gums. Patients will tell me that their gums bleed when they floss. I advise you to be gentler until your gums become healthier. Healthy gums will not bleed. Bleeding gums mean inflammation & infection which comes from plaque.
4. Bleeding gums can not only lead to gum disease, but can leave you susceptible to other infections and compromise your immune system. There are strong correlations between gum disease and heart disease.

Tips for good flossing:

• At the minimum, floss daily.
• When the floss reaches your gum line, create a C-shape against the tooth. This will ensure a more thorough cleaning.
• It’s best to floss in an orderly fashion so that you don’t miss any teeth.
• Don’t forget that last tooth in each row of teeth. The back of this last tooth should be flossed as well.
• If you do experience some initial bleeding, that’s normal if you’re not a regular flosser. This will stop over time as your gums become healthier.

Remember, bleeding gums and plaque mean infection, which yields bad breath.