When you visit your dentist, you're often reminded about the importance of flossing. But why is flossing so crucial for our oral health? According to the UCI College of Dentistry, the process of flossing does more than just remove food particles, it's a fundamental aspect of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Here’s a deeper look at why flossing should be an integral part of your dental care routine.
What are the benefits of flossing?
- Prevents tooth decay and gum disease: Flossing removes plaque from areas between the teeth and gums, where a toothbrush can't reach. By doing so, it helps prevent the buildup that can lead to tartar, a hardened form of plaque that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Reduces bad breath: Flossing removes trapped food particles and bacteria that lead to odours, making it more effective at freshening breath than brushing alone.
- Lowers risk of cavities: By removing plaque from between the teeth, flossing lowers the risk of developing cavities in these hard-to-reach spaces.
- Improves gum health: Regular flossing can reduce gum inflammation and bleeding. Studies show that flossing plays a key role in preventing gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, which can progress to more serious conditions like periodontitis if left untreated.
- Enhances Overall Health: Research links poor oral health to various systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. Flossing contributes to better oral hygiene and potentially lowers the risk of these health issues.
Very soon, we will release the new version of our floss. Three distinct types of dental floss will be available to cater to different dental care needs and environmental preferences.
- Bionylon Floss: Made from bio-based polymers derived from castor oil, this eco-friendly floss is infused with spearmint essential oil. It combines the strength and durability of traditional floss with a biodegradable nature, reducing its carbon footprint. The gentle, translucent floss is designed to provide an effective yet soothing cleaning experience.
- Fluoride floss: This vegan floss is coated with fluoride and enhanced with activated bamboo charcoal. The fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities, making it particularly beneficial for children. The bamboo charcoal combats harmful bacteria, ensuring a thorough clean between teeth.
- Plastic free floss: Infused with English peppermint essential oil, our natural silk floss is a biodegradable and compostable alternative to plastic floss. Made from Ahimsa silk, it is soft, strong, and suitable for sensitive gums. The floss is coated with candelilla wax for smooth gliding between teeth.
All three floss options will come in reusable glass containers to minimize plastic waste. Refills are available in packs of two, allowing you to maintain high-quality oral care while reducing environmental impact. If you want to read even more about the specificities of these flosses, we invite you to check out our Plastic-free and Vegan Floss blog
When and How to Floss Properly
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once a day, ideally before bedtime, to ensure that food particles and plaque do not remain in the mouth overnight.
Here’s how to floss effectively:
- Break off about 15 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers, with the rest around the opposite middle finger.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and guide it between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
- When the floss reaches your gum line, curve it into a ‘C’ shape against one tooth, and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Hold the floss tightly against the tooth and gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
- Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth, including the back sides of your last molars.
Common Misconceptions About Flossing
Despite its benefits, many people still skip flossing due to misconceptions:
- Myth: Flossing is painful. If flossing is painful, it could be a sign of gum disease. With regular flossing and dental visits, pain should decrease as your gum health improves.
- Myth: Bleeding gums mean I should stop flossing. Bleeding is often a sign of inflammation caused by plaque or food particles irritating the gum line. If you continuously floss with the right technique it usually resolves this problem you’re your gums will become healthier.
- Myth: If I brush thoroughly, I don't need to floss. Brushing alone does not clean between the teeth or below the gumline, areas where dental problems often begin.
- Myth: Mouthwash can be as effective as flossing. Mouthwash is great to freshen up your breath and eliminate bad bacteria’s from your mouth but it will not remove the food particles like floss does.
Conclusion
Flossing is a powerful tool in maintaining oral health, yet it is often neglected. By integrating flossing into your daily routine, you can enjoy the long-term benefits of a healthier mouth and potentially, a healthier body. Remember, a few minutes spent flossing each day can save you from future dental procedures and contribute to your overall well-being.
Want to start flossing our want to try out our floss? Go and buy yourself some here!