Yes, Daily Flossing Really Is Essential. Here's How to Do It Properly

Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth twice a day. Although brushing ensures fresh breath and a shiny white smile, flossing removes food particles between your teeth and beneath your gums, areas where your toothbrush can’t reach. 

While it can be tempting to skip this step, regular flossing is the most effective way to keep your gums and mouth healthy. At Family Dental Group in Gardner, Northborough, and Paxton, Massachusetts, our team led by Nikhil Lavana, DMD, and Archana Kharkanis-Lavana, DMD, often teaches patients how to floss properly. But is there a “right” way to do it?

Keep reading to learn why flossing is so important and how to do it the correct way.

Why daily flossing matters

Flossing your teeth takes a little extra time, but it’s the only way to remove plaque — a sticky mix of food particles, saliva, and bacteria — from between your teeth and underneath your gums. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can lead to bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Research also suggests failing to floss can increase the risk of other medical issues, including inflammation and heart disease.

Given all these benefits, flossing once a day is an easy way to protect your oral health. However, to reap these rewards, you must establish a habit. Consistency is key!

How to floss your teeth properly

Here’s a step-by-step guide to flossing your teeth properly:

1. Use the right amount of floss

Before you begin, grab about 18 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of it around your index or middle fingers, leaving about 1 or 2 inches free to work with. 

2. Begin flossing

Once the floss is wrapped around your fingers, guide the section between each tooth using the 1-2 inches left exposed. It’s tempting to rush, but if you move too quickly, you can cut your gums and cause them to bleed. Instead, move gently and methodically, being careful not to force the floss.

3. Curve the floss into a ‘C’ shape

Flossing between your teeth is only half the battle. To remove all the plaque and food particles, curve the floss into a “C” shape and slide it up and down beneath your gumline. Again, be gentle when doing this.

4. Don’t forget your molars

Reaching the back of your mouth can be challenging, but flossing is especially important here. Once you reach your molars, make sure to rub the floss against their backs to remove any buildup there.

5. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth

After flossing one tooth, wrap the used section around your finger and slide out a fresh 1-2 inches. Skipping this step can push plaque, bacteria, and food particles back to where they were originally, undoing all your hard work.

The most important thing is finding a flossing method that works for you. String floss isn’t always an option for anyone with arthritis or other dexterity challenges. In cases like these, floss picks or a water flosser can help keep your teeth clean without using strings.

Make it a habit

Flossing takes a little getting used to, but once you’ve got a pattern down, it should take two minutes or less. There’s no wrong time to do it either. You can floss either before or after brushing your teeth, whichever fits your routine. 

If you struggle to make it a habit, try linking the practice to selfcare. Remember that flossing your teeth daily keeps your smile healthy and protects your health overall. Since flossing removes plaque buildup, it can also reduce the time you spend in the dental chair for cleanings.

Questions about flossing? Schedule your next teeth cleaning

Flossing is an easy and effective way to protect your teeth, gums, and smile. However, not everyone learns how to do it when they’re young. If you have questions or want to take your flossing game to the next level, we can help! To schedule your next teeth cleaning, call our nearest office or book your appointment online today.