Flossing 101: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

Flossing is an essential step in your dental hygiene routine and helps to clean spaces between your teeth that are too difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Not only does flossing remove residual food, bacteria and plaque—but it sets up your oral health for success.

Importance of flossing for oral hygiene

In addition to brushing your teeth every day, flossing plays a pivotal role in maintaining optimal oral health. While brushing scrubs the surfaces of your teeth, it may not reach the gaps in between them. This leaves these areas susceptible to plaque growth. By flossing, you’re effectively removing bacteria from between these tight spaces in between your teeth, as well as caring for your gumline.

Benefits of flossing

Regular flossing prevents dental issues from occurring down the road. Let's explore some more benefits of flossing below:

Removal of plaque

Flossing effectively eliminates food particles and bacteria, preventing them from accumulating and turning into plaque.

Prevention of tooth decay

Reduces the risk of cavities by eliminating plaque buildup. Flossing can clean hard-to-reach areas that brushing alone can’t reach.

Halts gum disease

Promotes gum health by preventing inflammation and strengthening the gum tissue. This also helps to support the gums in preventing the risk of gingivitis, which, if left untreated, can progress to severe gum disease (periodontal disease).

Encourages fresh breath

Eliminates the bacteria that causes bad breath to help you stay feeling fresh.

Types of dental floss

There are plenty of options when it comes to types of dental floss, each with their own characteristics. When choosing dental floss, you can consider things like your personal comfort, spacing between your teeth as well as any dental requirements you may have. Here are some common types of dental floss:

Thread floss

This is the most common type of dental floss. It’s made of nylon strands twisted together and glides smoothly, making it a great option if you have tight spaces between your teeth.

Waxed and unwaxed floss

Waxed floss has a smooth coating and glides well, making it easier to get between tight spaces. It's less likely to shred and often comes in flavored options. Some waxed floss also comes in different flavors—so you can enjoy mint, cinnamon or bubblegum to enhance your flossing experience. Unwaxed floss is thinner and lacks wax coating, providing a natural feel. This type of floss works best if you have wider tooth spacing or unique dental work you need to floss around.

Tape floss

Dental tape is wider and flatter than traditional floss, making it a nice choice if you have wider gaps between your teeth.

Super floss

This is a multifunctional type of floss that combines different textures and thicknesses. It typically has a stiff end for threading through braces or dental appliances and a spongy middle section for cleaning around dental work.

Floss picks

Floss picks are disposable plastic tools with a short strand of floss stretched between two prongs. They often have a handle for easy gripping and are convenient for on-the-go flossing.

Dental brushes (interdental brushes)

These are small brushes designed to clean between teeth. They come in various sizes to accommodate different tooth spaces and can be an alternative option to traditional floss.

Water flosser

water flosser, also known as dental water jet, or an oral irrigator, is used for oral hygiene to supplement traditional dental flossing. It uses a pressurized water stream to clean between teeth and along the gumline.

How to floss properly: Flossing techniques

Choose the right floss

Select a dental floss that you’re comfortable with—whether waxed, unwaxed or floss picks for convenience.

Get an adequate length

Cut an 18 to 24-inch piece of floss, wrapping the ends around your fingers, leaving a few inches for maneuvering.

Establish a firm grip

Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, creating a taut section to guide between teeth.

Navigate between the teeth

Gently slide the floss between teeth, using a back-and-forth motion to ease it through tight spaces.

Curve around the teeth

Form a C-shape around each tooth with the floss, ensuring it reaches below the gumline. Glide the floss along the side of each tooth, moving in an up-and-down motion.

Use a fresh section for each teeth

As you continue to floss, unwind a clean section of floss for each tooth to prevent transferring bacteria between teeth.

Reach the back teeth

Pay special attention to the back teeth where plaque can accumulate. Utilize a gentle sawing motion to navigate the floss into these spaces.

Avoid gum injury

Be gentle on your teeth and gums, avoiding forceful or aggressive movements.

Rinse and dispose

After flossing, rinse your mouth with water to remove dislodged particles. Dispose of the used floss in a trash bin.

Make it a daily habit

Floss at least once daily, ideally before brushing your teeth, to maintain your best oral hygiene.

When to floss

It's best to floss daily before you brush your teeth. That way, you can dislodge and remove bacteria that’s hiding between teeth. By flossing first, it also allows you to clean spaces that are hard to reach with your tooth brush, like behind your molars.

After flossing, your brushing will be much more effective at cleaning your teeth and gums. Hello, fresh breath!

Flossing: Your key to dental prevention

Elevate your oral care with a regular flossing and brushing routine, and by keeping up on your dental visits. Schedule an appointment with your Aspen Dental dentist today.

Flossing FAQs

How to floss?

Ensure optimal oral hygiene by incorporating daily flossing into your routine. Choose a high-quality dental floss, like waxed or unwaxed, and follow proper techniques to effectively remove plaque.

Should you floss before or after brushing?

For optimal oral hygiene, we recommend flossing before brushing your teeth. By flossing first, you remove plaque and debris, making your brushing process more effective at cleaning your teeth and gums.

How often should you floss?

We encourage you to floss once a day, preferably before brushing your teeth. Consistent daily flossing helps remove plaque, prevent gum disease, and maintain your healthy smile.

How to floss with braces?

For effective flossing with braces, use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to navigate between wires and brackets. Gently slide the floss between each tooth and the arch wire, ensuring a thorough clean.

How to floss properly?

To floss properly, start with an 18-inch strand of dental floss and gently slide it between teeth. Next, form a 'C' shape around each tooth and clean both sides. Make flossing a daily habit to remove plaque and debris, promoting optimal oral health and a brighter smile.

Why do my gums bleed while flossing?

Your gums may bleed during flossing due to gingivitis, an inflammation caused by plaque buildup. Consistent flossing, along with regular dental check-ups, can help alleviate bleeding gums by promoting gum health and preventing gum disease.