Some of our Canberra dental patients out and out ask us this question, while others suffer in silence about this important task. However, we wouldn’t recommend flossing if we didn’t think it was necessary. Although you can pat yourself on the back for being a dedicated and even expert brusher, flossing adds that extra step that completes your daily oral hygiene routine.
If you think you don’t really need to floss despite dentists being adamant that you should, consider these following facts to help encourage you to do so regularly.
Tooth brushing alone means you are missing about 35% of a tooth's surface your toothbrush can’t reach. It is physically impossible for your brush to get between your teeth, especially if they are very close together. According to the Australian Dental Association, flossing gets between your teeth where plaque likes to hang out and cause tooth decay and gum disease. If you don’t get rid of debris and plaque between your teeth, then you increase risk of enamel erosion that leads to cavities. The deeper the cavities, the more painful they are, and the more costly and complicated they can become to repair.
In order for flossing to be effective, you have to do it correctly. The next time you’re at your dental office, ask for a demonstration to learn the right technique. The Australian Dental Association suggests flossing at least once a day. Do it after brushing to get anything missed, and then enjoy a nice rinse and spit to clear everything away.
Avoiding Flossing Due to Bleeding?
If you are avoiding toothbrushing and flossing due to discomfort or bleeding gums, this is a bad idea. You need to call our dental office and book an appointment. Bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, and when caught early, a professional scale and polish can prevent gum disease from progressing.