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All the below content has been written by NYC Dentist, Dr. Sandip Sachar.
What People Really Think About Flossing and Why Dentists Insist It’s Essential
Survey Results
The importance of flossing cannot be overstated, yet a significant portion of the population still skips this crucial step. The American Academy of Periodontology survey revealed that approximately 30% of individuals admitted to never flossing, and another 37% confessed to flossing only occasionally. This leaves just under 35% of people who floss daily or regularly. These statistics point to a common trend: while the benefits of flossing are widely known, many individuals do not prioritize it in their daily routines.
Several factors may contribute to this, including a lack of time, perceived inconvenience, or simply forgetting to floss. Moreover, some people find flossing uncomfortable or difficult to do properly. But are these reasons enough to justify skipping such an important practice? The answer, according to dental experts, is no.
Flossing Is Necessary according to the ADA
The American Dental Association (ADA) has consistently advocated for flossing as a vital part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. According to the ADA, flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth, areas where toothbrushes often fail to reach. This is important because plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Even though some media outlets have questioned the necessity of flossing, the ADA stands by its recommendation. In fact, numerous studies confirm that flossing is an effective tool in preventing gingivitis and other dental problems.
Flossing works by disrupting the plaque that can accumulate between the teeth and along the gumline. If plaque is not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar, which can only be cleaned by a professional. Therefore, flossing is not only necessary for maintaining good oral hygiene, but it can also help prevent the need for more invasive dental procedures down the line.
Alternatives to Traditional Floss
While dental floss is the most commonly recommended tool for cleaning between the teeth, several alternatives have been found to be effective. The ADA recognizes that tools such as interdental brushes, soft picks, and water flossers can also play an important role in cleaning between teeth, especially for people who find traditional floss difficult to use.
Interdental Brushes: These small, bristled brushes are specifically designed to fit between teeth. They are particularly useful for people with larger gaps between their teeth or those with dental appliances like braces. Interdental brushes are known to remove more plaque than traditional floss, making them a great alternative.
Soft Picks: Soft, rubber-tipped picks can be gentler on the gums than traditional floss. These picks are an excellent option for people with sensitive gums, offering a comfortable way to clean between the teeth.
Water Flossers: Water flossers use a stream of water to flush out food particles and plaque between teeth. This method is especially useful for individuals with braces, bridges, or implants. Water flossing is a gentler alternative, making it a good option for those who may have difficulty using traditional floss or interdental brushes.
While these alternatives can be effective in removing plaque and preventing oral health issues, the ADA continues to recommend flossing as the best method for most individuals. Regardless of the tool used, the key is to make sure that food particles and plaque are regularly removed from between the teeth.
The Best Time to Floss: Before or After Brushing?
Many people wonder whether it is better to floss before or after brushing their teeth. According to the ADA either order is acceptable as long as you do a thorough job.
Do Children Need to Floss?
Many parents wonder when they should begin flossing their child’s teeth. According to the American Dental Association, parents should start flossing their child’s teeth as soon as two teeth begin to touch. This can occur as early as a child is around three years old. Until children are old enough to floss on their own—usually around the age of 10 or 11—parents should assist with flossing to ensure it is done correctly.
Establishing good dental habits early is crucial for lifelong oral health. Children are just as susceptible to cavities between their teeth as adults, which is why flossing should be incorporated into their daily routine as soon as possible.
5 Steps to Perfect Flossing
Although flossing is a simple process, doing it correctly is essential for maximum effectiveness. Here are five steps to perfect your flossing technique:
- Use the Right Amount of Floss: Cut about 18 inches of floss, so you have enough to maneuver between your teeth and avoid reusing sections of floss.
- Grip the Floss Correctly: Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a 1-2 inch section of floss between them. This will give you control and allow you to use a fresh section for each tooth.
- Insert the Floss Gently: Slide the floss gently between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Avoid snapping the floss, as this can cause damage to your gums.
- Form a C-Shape Around Each Tooth: Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a C shape around the tooth and gently slide it up and down along the sides.
- Move to the Next Tooth: After cleaning one tooth, move on to the next, using a fresh section of floss each time. This ensures you don’t transfer plaque back into areas that were just cleaned.
Proper flossing can greatly improve your oral health by effectively removing plaque, food particles, and bacteria that lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Why Flossing Matters for Your Oral Health
Flossing plays a vital role in overall oral hygiene. By removing plaque and debris from between the teeth, flossing helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on teeth and contains harmful bacteria. If left unchecked, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
Sachar Dental NYC
Oral health is not only about brushing and flossing. Regular checkups with a skilled dentist are crucial for identifying any potential issues before they become more serious. Dr. Sachar and the experienced team at Sachar Dental NYC provide comprehensive dental care to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Whether you need guidance on flossing, dental cleanings, or other services, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible oral health.
Schedule an appointment today and discover how regular dental checkups and a strong oral care routine can make a lasting difference in your health and confidence.
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Flossing - American Dental Association
Sachar Dental NYC
20 East 46th Street
Rm 1301
(Between 5th Ave & Madison Ave)
New York, NY 10017
212-752-1163
https://www.sachardental.com/
drsachar@sachardental.com
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