For many people, brushing their teeth is the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the phrase “oral hygiene.” But flossing is actually just as important as brushing your teeth, and it certainly shouldn’t be considered an afterthought! Sadly, many people still skip out on this step entirely—and in doing so, they’re heightening their risk of developing serious oral health concerns. Here are five mistakes that people often make when flossing their teeth, and how your dentist thinks you should correctly go about it.
1. Not Flossing Enough
If you’re serious about preventing gum disease, it’s best to floss twice a day—especially considering that you’re probably eating at least three times daily! Fortunately, this lines up perfectly with you needing to also brush your teeth twice a day! Keep in mind that flossing before brushing your teeth is ideal, so that you don’t disturb the fluoride that’s being applied from brushing.
2. Flossing at the Wrong Time
You shouldn’t just be mindful of how often you’re flossing, but also when you’re flossing. It’s important to floss in conjunction with brushing, but it’s actually most beneficial to your oral health if you floss right before bedtime. Since your mouth’s flow of saliva decreases when you’re asleep, residual food particles have an easier time forming bacteria that inflames your gums. That said, flossing directly before bed ensures that your mouth is better protected throughout the nighttime.
3. Using the Wrong Type of Floss
There are different types of dental floss and various means of flossing, and they all clean your teeth and gums differently. Generally, thinner material works best for tight spaces and mouths with lots of dental work, such as orthodontia. Conversely, a more fibrous string with more surface area is better suited for patients with larger gaps between their teeth or periodontal issues. Dental floss picks are also an option; these handy tools can access hard-to-reach spaces that you might have trouble reaching with traditional floss. And finally, Waterpiks are another viable option—though often pricier, they utilize a pulsating stream of water that provides an exceptional level of precision cleaning.
4. Flossing too Fast or Aggressively
Sometimes you might be in a hurry, and it could be tempting to rush through the flossing process; but going too quickly often means you aren’t being thorough! This also increases the chances of you hurting yourself. You should spend roughly ten seconds carefully and gently cleaning each side of every tooth. If you’re sawing and snapping the floss between your teeth, you’re being too aggressive. Instead, work the floss back and forth and apply controlled downward pressure.
5. Stopping Due to Bleeding Gums
Blood might seem alarming, but it’s natural to experience some bleeding while you’re flossing. In fact, bleeding gums are often a sign that you need to floss more often! This is a common symptom of gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease. However, if you keep up with flossing regularly, the bleeding should subside, and your gums should feel better.
Flossing incorrectly can actually do just as much harm as not flossing at all! That said, knowing what mistakes to avoid when flossing and how to do things correctly will set your smile up for a healthy and bright future.
About the Practice
South Jersey Dental Studio has served patients and families in Cherry Hill for several years. The practice is proudly led by Dr. Joseph Montalbano and Dr. Dara Nikoonezhad. They’re pleased to offer a wide range of available services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about how to properly floss, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice through their website or over the phone for assistance: (856) 406-6570.
