Why flossing is so important to oral health
Most Americans brush their teeth every day, but flossing remains a neglected part of many people’s oral hygiene. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, only about one-third of U. S. adults floss every day. Survey data show that roughly 30% to 33% of adults report daily flossing, while a similar percentage say they. . . Read More
Most Americans brush their teeth every day, but flossing remains a neglected part of many people’s oral hygiene. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, only about one-third of U. S. adults floss every day. Survey data show that roughly 30% to 33% of adults report daily flossing, while a similar percentage say they do not floss at all during a typical week. The remaining Americans floss inconsistently. Dental professionals say this gap in oral care habits could have significant consequences for oral health. “Flossing is extremely important because it removes the plaque and food particles from the areas that a toothbrush cannot reach, especially between the teeth and just under the gumline,” says Dr. Steven R. Feigelson, who provides general, cosmetic, implant, and sedation dentistry at his Commack practice and is a past president of the Suffolk County Dental Society. “It is estimated that as much as 40% of your tooth surface is missed by brushing alone. ”When plaque remains between teeth and along the gumline, it can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing or flossing at home. “As the plaque hardens, the type of bacteria around the teeth and gums become more aggressive, which can lead to cavities, gum inflammation (gingivitis) and eventually a more serious disease known as periodontitis,” Feigelson says. “This is the stage where the bone that supports the teeth breaks down. In advanced cases, teeth can loosen and eventually be lost. ”WHEN SHOULD YOU FLOSS?The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day. “The time of day that fits into one’s schedule is better than not flossing at all,” Feigelson says. “But flossing before brushing at night is considered the most beneficial since it removes trapped debris and bacteria that can otherwise sit on the teeth overnight. ”Dr. Jolanta Holzmann, a general dentist at ProHealth Dental’s Lake Success office, also recommends flossing before bedtime. “We produce less saliva at night when we sleep, and saliva neutralizes the acids produced by bacteria that can lead to decay,” she says. “Going to bed with clean teeth reduces the risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease. ”She adds that flossing more than once a day may be indicated for patients with crowded teeth, low saliva production, and/or a diet that regularly results in food accumulating between the teeth. WHY MORE PEOPLE DON’T FLOSSIf flossing is so important, why do so few Americans do it consistently?“Many people find it time consuming or awkward, especially if they were never taught proper technique,” Feigelson says. “Many people have never allowed flossing to become a part of their regular routine. ”He adds that because flossing removes hidden plaque, many people do not see immediate results and therefore may underestimate its value. Further, it can be uncomfortable, especially if the gums are inflamed. “People may experience gums that bleed or feel sensitive, which can discourage continued use,” he says. Holzmann says that since people may not realize the benefits of flossing, education is key. Regular dental visits can help reinforce good habits. During routine cleanings, hygienists evaluate patients’ oral hygiene routines and review proper flossing techniques. “When flossing is reinforced and becomes a part of a daily routine, it becomes a good habit,” Holzmann says. CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOSS“I tell my patients that the best floss is the one that they will use consistently and properly,” Feigelson says. He often recommends Glide floss by Oral-B because it slides easily between tight teeth and is less likely to shred. For patients with dexterity challenges, floss holders or picks can make flossing easier, he says. Holzmann says traditional string floss generally provides the most thorough plaque removal. “The best thickness and texture of floss depends upon how tight the teeth are and personal preference,” she says. “Floss picks are good for flossing on the go. ”For larger spaces between teeth, the dentists recommend alternatives such as interdental brushes, dental tape, soft picks, or water flossers. “A water flosser or an oral irrigator such as Waterpik is effective at flushing away loosened particles and debris in large spaces between teeth,” Holzmann says. HOW TO FLOSS CORRECTLYFeigelson advises using about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around the middle fingers. “Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and gently slide it between your teeth,” he says. “Curve the floss around each tooth in a ‘C’ shape and move it up and down, going slightly under the gumline. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring plaque. Be gentle and avoid forcing the floss, especially if it gets stuck. It is best to slide the floss out sideways rather than snapping it up through the [contact point between the teeth]. ”For people who don’t floss regularly, adopting it as a habit can go a long way in preventing dental problems. “Daily flossing, along with proper brushing, as well as seeing your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and exam, is the most effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout life,” Feigelson says.