Flossing: Why It’s Just as Important as Brushing (If Not More!)

When it comes to oral hygiene, most people prioritize brushing their teeth. While brushing is essential for maintaining a healthy smile, many underestimate the importance of flossing. In fact, flossing is just as important as brushing—if not more—when it comes to preventing cavities, gum disease, and maintaining overall oral health.

Despite its importance, flossing is often skipped, with many people thinking that brushing alone is enough. However, brushing only cleans about 60% of your teeth, leaving the spaces between them untouched. This is where flossing becomes essential.

In this blog, we’ll explore why flossing is a critical part of oral hygiene, the benefits it offers, and how to do it correctly to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

What Is Flossing and Why Is It Necessary?

Flossing is the process of cleaning between the teeth using a thin thread-like material to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria that brushing cannot reach. While toothbrushes do an excellent job of cleaning the front and back surfaces of teeth, they fail to reach the tight spaces between them. Flossing bridges this gap, ensuring that no debris is left behind.

Skipping flossing allows plaque to accumulate between your teeth and along the gumline. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. By flossing daily, you prevent the formation of tartar, cavities, and gum disease.

The Dangers of Not Flossing

If you neglect flossing, you risk developing several dental and health problems. Here’s what can happen when you skip this essential step:

• Increased Risk of Cavities: Plaque buildup between the teeth leads to decay in areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. Cavities between teeth, known as interproximal cavities, can form silently and worsen without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
• Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): Plaque that remains between teeth irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis—the first stage of gum disease. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a severe gum infection that causes gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
• Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis): Food particles and bacteria trapped between teeth produce foul-smelling gases, leading to chronic bad breath. Even if you brush regularly, failing to floss allows these bacteria to thrive in hidden spaces, causing unpleasant odors.
• Tartar Buildup: Plaque left undisturbed for long periods hardens into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. Tartar creates a rough surface on teeth, attracting more plaque and bacteria, worsening oral health over time. Unlike plaque, which can be removed with proper oral hygiene, tartar requires professional cleaning by a dentist.
• Increased Risk of Systemic Health Issues: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and even respiratory infections. Studies suggest that poor oral hygiene, particularly gum disease, may contribute to serious health conditions, making flossing a simple yet powerful preventative measure.

Flossing vs. Brushing: Why Both Are Essential

Flossing and brushing work hand in hand to maintain oral health. While brushing removes plaque from the visible surfaces of teeth, flossing removes plaque and food debris from areas a toothbrush cannot reach.

Imagine washing your hands but only cleaning the palm while ignoring the spaces between your fingers. The same principle applies to oral hygiene—if you don’t floss, you’re leaving a significant portion of your mouth uncleaned.

Many dentists argue that if they had to choose between brushing and flossing, they would choose flossing because it prevents gum disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. However, for the best oral care, both brushing and flossing should be part of your daily routine.

How to Floss Correctly

Flossing is only effective if done correctly. Many people either floss incorrectly or avoid it altogether because they find it difficult. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re flossing properly:

• Choose the Right Floss: There are different types of dental floss, including Waxed floss, Unwaxed floss, Dental tape, Floss picks and water flossers.
• Use Enough Floss: Cut about 18 inches of floss and wrap the majority of it around your middle fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches to work with.
• Hold and Guide the Floss: Use your index fingers and thumbs to hold the floss taut. Gently slide it between your teeth using a zig-zag motion.
• Curve the Floss Around Each Tooth: Once the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it up and down. Repeat this for the adjacent tooth before moving to the next space.
• Be Gentle: Avoid snapping the floss against your gums, as this can cause irritation or bleeding. Instead, use slow, controlled movements.
• Use a Clean Section for Each Tooth: Unwind fresh floss as you move to different teeth to avoid transferring bacteria.
• Don’t Forget the Back Teeth: Flossing the molars is just as important as flossing the front teeth, as food and plaque can easily accumulate in these hard-to-reach areas.

Flossing Tips and Tricks

If you find flossing difficult or inconvenient, try these tips to make it easier:

• Use a Water Flosser: If traditional flossing is challenging, water flossers can be a great alternative. They use a stream of water to remove plaque and debris between teeth.
• Try Floss Picks: These pre-threaded tools make flossing quicker and more convenient.
• Make It a Habit: Floss at the same time every day, whether it's in the morning or before bed, to establish consistency.
• Combine Flossing with Brushing: Always floss before brushing so that fluoride from toothpaste can reach all surfaces of your teeth.

Final Thoughts

Flossing is just as important as brushing—if not more—when it comes to preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing removes the hidden plaque and debris that can cause serious dental issues.

By making flossing a daily habit, you protect your teeth and gums from disease, prevent tartar buildup, and improve your overall health. Whether you use traditional floss, floss picks, or a water flosser, the key is to be consistent.

Don’t overlook flossing—your teeth and gums will thank you for it!