Recently, we asked our patients to submit their questions in our Ask the Dentist form. One question summed up a common patient concern that we’d like to address in the blog.
Q I hate flossing. It is annoying and makes my gums bleed and I am afraid of popping off crowns. Is it worthwhile? What kind of floss and how?
Flossing isn’t Just Worthwhile, it’s Essential.
It’s been said that your mouth is a mirror for the rest of your body, and we heartily agree. There is a strong connection between your oral health, and the health of the rest of your body. Gum disease, for example, is linked to heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, premature birth, and many other health conditions. Healthy teeth and gums are essential for your overall health.
Brushing twice a day, every day, is extremely important, but as great as toothbrushes are, there are some spots they can’t reach — between your teeth. This is where flossing is essential. In the absence of flossing, the debris that’s left in between your teeth is plaque build up. The bacteria in plaque can cause tooth decay, as well as gum inflammation (gingivitis). Left to fester, one can develop significant cavities or periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases your risk of developing those health conditions listed above.
How to Floss
Healthline has a great article on this subject that we’ve borrowed from for this blog post. They’ve even got a section on flossing with braces! If you’re unsure about the right way to clean in between your teeth, here’s a step-by-step guide on the best way to floss. Feel free to ask your hygienist to walk you through it at your next cleaning!
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Break off about 18 to 24 inches of dental floss. To hold the floss correctly, wind most of the floss around a finger on each hand. Leave only about 1 to 2 inches of floss for your teeth.
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Next, hold the floss taut with your thumbs and index fingers.
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Place the dental floss in between two teeth. Gently glide the floss up and down, rubbing it against both sides of each tooth. Don’t glide the floss into your gums. This can scratch or bruise your gums.
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As the floss reaches your gums, curve the floss at the base of the tooth to form a C shape. This allows the floss to enter the space between your gums and your tooth.
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Repeat the steps as you move from tooth to tooth. With each tooth, use a new, clean section of floss.
Bleeding Gums
It’s fairly common for gums to bleed when flossing — especially if you aren’t flossing regularly. Studies have shown that those who floss and brush regularly are less likely to experience bleeding gums. Another cause of bleeding is aggressive brushing and flossing. But most of the time, this is not the case. Healthy gums should not be sensitive or bleed, these are signs of gingivitis.
If you have been flossing for 7-10 days and your gums still bleed when flossing, you should book an appointment to see your dental hygienist. Let them evaluate your flossing technique and whether or not there is a need for gum treatment. If it is gingivitis, don’t worry, because this condition is completely reversible and heals after a professional dental cleaning and some changes in your oral care routine.
Flossing with Crowns or Other Dental Appliances
Q Is it possible to pop off a crown while flossing?
No, crowns are permanent, cemented restorations, and will not come off with flossing. Crowns should never be a deterrent for flossing. If you should have a crown loosen or come off while flossing, there is likely something wrong with the crown, or the tooth that is supporting it. It is time to come in for an examination of that tooth/crown!
Types of Floss
There are many types of dental floss, depending on your personal preference. The most important thing is that you find the tool that works best for you, so that you use it regularly.
Large gaps between your teeth? Try dental tape. Not much space between your teeth? You may find that a waxed floss is easier to slide into those tight spaces. Want less mess? Look for disposable flossers or floss in pre-measured strands. Braces or bridges? A spongy floss is a good option, but any floss can be used if you wear dental appliances, especially if you have a floss threader. Another (albeit more expensive) option is to use a water flosser. A water flosser is a handheld device that shoots a stream of water at your teeth hard enough to clean between them.
No matter what type of floss you choose, please make flossing part of your daily routine. It’s absolutely essential.
Yours in better dental health,
Tooth Works
