It’s surprising how many people don’t floss regularly. When our patients visit our dental practice, we’re always encouraging them to floss daily, especially if we see a buildup of plaque. Flossing your teeth is essential for a healthy mouth and can prevent serious problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing your teeth.
To help understand how important flossing your teeth and veneers is, we’ve answered some of the most common questions people have. If you have a question that isn’t listed below, get in touch and one of our dental hygiene therapists will give you the right help and advice.
What does flossing do for your teeth?
There are so many benefits of flossing your teeth. When you combine this with brushing your teeth twice a day, you’re helping to prevent the buildup of plaque. Plaque is the main cause of issues such as tooth decay and gum disease, so it is the best way to get to those places you can’t quite reach with brushing alone. Did you know brushing alone only cleans 60% of your teeth?
People who have sensitive teeth or bleeding gums may try and avoid flossing to prevent them from suffering even more, but actually, flossing will improve the health of your gums! Get into a flossing routine and you’ll soon see a difference. Take a look at our quick guide to flossing for more help and advice on the right flossing technique.
Can flossing damage your teeth?
If you floss correctly, you’ll have no problems, and there will be no damage to your teeth. After brushing your teeth, spend some time going round every tooth with flossing tape, using the techniques recommended in our flossing guide.
Is it too late to start flossing?
Flossing is incredibly important when it comes to oral hygiene, so if you don’t floss regularly, then now is the time to start! It’s worth paying one of our dental hygienists a visit for an initial clean and flossing demonstration, to ensure you’re using the right techniques. Get in touch with us for more information or to book your appointment.
How often should you floss your teeth?
We recommend that you floss your teeth every time you brush, or thoroughly once a day at the very least. With each floss, you should set aside a little time to do the job properly; one quick floss before you head out simply won’t do! Without taking the time to do a thorough job, you’re giving plaque a chance to build up, which can create serious problems if not dealt with.
Can you floss your teeth too much?
Surprisingly, yes! You might feel like you’re at the top of your flossing game, when actually, you might be doing more harm than good. Think about the amount of time you floss and whether you’re experiencing any discomfort in your gums, or even bleeding gums. If you floss too vigorously or apply too much pressure, then you could be at risk of damaging the gum line.
Can you floss a crowned tooth?
Yes! You should never miss out an area when flossing, especially around a crown area. If you need any more help and guidance about caring for your crowned tooth, talk to your dental professional.
Flossing your teeth is important – keep up with your oral hygiene.
If you’re struggling to find the right flossing technique, it’s essential that you speak to your dentist or dental hygienist. We can show you the right flossing techniques and give you the help you need to keep your entire mouth healthy. Speak to a professional at Churchfield Dental Centre today – get in touch!
