Are You Flossing Correctly? Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Flossing. It’s that often-skipped step in our oral hygiene routine, yet it plays a vital role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. But are you flossing correctly? Many people make common mistakes that can render flossing less effective or even harmful. Let’s unravel these flossing faux pas and learn how to floss like a pro.

Why Flossing Matters: Beyond Brushing

Brushing alone can’t reach all the nooks and crannies in your mouth. About 40% of your tooth surfaces are between your teeth, and that’s where floss comes in. Flossing helps:

• Remove Plaque: Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates between teeth and along the gumline. Flossing disrupts this plaque buildup, preventing it from hardening into tartar.
• Prevent Cavities: By removing plaque, flossing reduces the risk of cavities that can form between teeth.
• Protect Gums: Flossing helps prevent gum disease by removing plaque and food particles that irritate the gums.
• Freshen Breath: Trapped food particles can contribute to bad breath. Flossing removes these particles, leaving your mouth feeling fresher.

Flossing Fails: Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Sawing Motion:
   • The Mistake: Moving the floss back and forth in a sawing motion can irritate and damage your gums.
   • The Fix: Gently curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape and slide it up and down along the side of the tooth.
2. Snapping the Floss:
   • The Mistake: Snapping the floss into the gums can cause pain and recession.
   • The Fix: Ease the floss gently between your teeth, avoiding forceful snapping.
3. Skipping the Gumline:
   • The Mistake: Not flossing below the gumline allows plaque to accumulate in this critical area.
   • The Fix: Gently slide the floss below the gumline, curving it around the tooth.
4. Reusing the Same Section of Floss:
   • The Mistake: Using the same section of floss for multiple teeth simply transfers bacteria and plaque from one tooth to another.
   • The Fix: Unwind a fresh section of floss for each tooth.
5. Not Flossing Regularly:
   • The Mistake: Flossing only occasionally provides limited benefits.
   • The Fix: Make flossing a daily habit, ideally before bedtime.
6. Flossing Too Quickly:
   • The Mistake: Rushing through flossing can lead to missed areas and ineffective plaque removal.
   • The Fix: Take your time and floss carefully, ensuring you clean each tooth thoroughly.
7. Using the Wrong Type of Floss:
   • The Mistake: Using floss that’s too thick or too thin for your teeth can make flossing difficult or ineffective.
   • The Fix: Experiment with different types of floss, such as waxed floss, dental tape, or interdental brushes, to find what works best for you.
8. Ignoring Bleeding Gums:
   • The Mistake: Assuming bleeding gums are normal and stopping flossing can worsen gum disease.
   • The Fix: Continue flossing gently but consistently. If bleeding persists, see your dentist as it could indicate gum disease.

Flossing Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your Floss: Select a floss that’s comfortable for you. Waxed floss can be easier to slide between tight teeth, while dental tape is wider and may be better for larger gaps.
2. Measure and Wrap: Take about 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a couple of inches to work with.
3. Gently Guide: Hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers and gently ease it between your teeth. Avoid snapping it into the gums.
4. Curve and Clean: Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and slide it up and down along the side of the tooth, going below the gumline.
5. Unwind Fresh Floss: As you move from tooth to tooth, unwind fresh floss from one finger while winding the used floss onto the other finger.
6. Don’t Forget the Back Teeth: Reach the back teeth carefully, using your index fingers to guide the floss.
7. Rinse Thoroughly: After flossing, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove dislodged plaque and food particles.

Flossing Alternatives:

• Water Flossers: These devices use a stream of pulsating water to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth.
• Interdental Brushes: These small brushes are designed to clean between teeth, especially in larger spaces or around dental work.

When to Seek Professional Help:

• Persistent Bleeding: If your gums bleed regularly or excessively when flossing, see your dentist.
• Difficulty Flossing: If you have difficulty flossing due to tight teeth, dexterity issues, or dental work, talk to your dentist about alternative options.
• Pain or Discomfort: If you experience pain or discomfort while flossing, consult your dentist to rule out any underlying dental problems.

Flossing: A Small Step for a Big Impact

Flossing might seem like a minor detail, but it’s a crucial component of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine. By avoiding common flossing mistakes and adopting the correct technique, you can significantly improve your oral health, prevent cavities and gum disease, and enjoy a healthier, fresher smile.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. Or if you’d like to visit our dental clinic, please find us on Google Maps.