Definition
Flossing is a simple habit that is easy to add to your morning or night routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is the act of sliding a very thin piece of specially designed thread in between each tooth. This cleans out all of the food particles and plaque that build up.
How to Do It
It is important to floss frequently and properly for maximum benefits.
- Start with about twelve inches of floss. Wrap the edges around your fingers and then grip so you’re holding a section that’s only about three inches long. Or buy specialized floss toothpicks.
- Insert the floss between your teeth gently, so it doesn’t snap up and cause trauma to your gums. Move it between your teeth in a sawing motion.
- Adjust your position so that the floss forms a ‘c’ shape, wrapped around your tooth. Move it up and down and then reverse it so that the ‘c’ is wrapped around the other tooth it’s between. This makes sure that both of your teeth are getting fully flossed and helps get rid of extra build up.
- Make sure to get the cracks between every single tooth.
Benefits
- Reduce risk of gum disease
- Improve bad breath
- Remove plaque build up
- Strengthen gums
- Brighter looking teeth
- May improve heart health
Time Commitment
1-2 minutes
Why it works
Brushing your teeth actually only covers about 60% of your teeth’s surface area. It is very hard to brush between the cracks of your teeth. Flossing gets into these cracks and other areas that the brush doesn't reach. Flossing can help reduce the risk of gum disease and prevent tooth decay.
Suggested Frequency
Twice per day
Side Effects
If you do not floss frequently you may experience:
- Irritation of gums
- Slight bleeding/Swelling
Suggested Time of Day
Before your brush your teeth in the morning/evening
Notes
You can use either waxed or unwaxed dental floss with the same outcome - depending on if you prefer thicker or thinner floss. Some companies produce flavored floss products
Supporting Studies and Articles
Expand Collapse- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18672992
- https://aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.1980.51.12.691
- https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008829.pub2/abstract
- https://academic.oup.com/abm/article-abstract/33/2/156/4569358
- https://aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.1989.60.5.243
