Why Adults Need to Spend More Time Flossing

When most dental patients visit the dentist twice a year, they hear the words their dentist tells them regarding how important flossing is, but not many actually listen to the advice with any real intention of changing their habits. Alla Wheeler, an associate professor with New York University’s Dentistry School, states that this problem lies in the lack of instant gratification when it comes to flossing. This lack of anything immediate might cause people to believe flossing doesn’t do all that much.

Flossing – More Important Than You Think

However, flossing covers around 40 percent of what’s essential for removing plaque from a person’s mouth, which may surprise people regarding the role of flossing in their day. Per Wheeler, "Each tooth has five surfaces. If you don't floss, you are leaving at least two of the surfaces unclean. Floss is the only thing that can really get into that space between the teeth and remove bacteria." Without consistent flossing habits, gum disease—the ultimate result of plaque buildup—can develop and slowly eat away at teeth and gums, ruining their longevity going into a person’s retirement age.

Gum disease is also known for attacking the bones supporting the teeth as well as the bottom third of the face. This deterioration within the jaw bone can eventually put a patient’s ability to receive dental implants or dentures in jeopardy, as it takes strong bones to successfully hold implants. As well, patients who preserve their jaw bone by flossing have healthier smiles going into older age.

Choosing Dental Floss

Most flosses are made from Teflon or nylon, both being equally effective. Patients who have greater spaces between teeth or have gum recession often get better outcomes using wide, flat dental tape. For patients whose teeth stand close together, thin, shred-resistant floss would be better. Patients with braces or bridges call for extra tools in order to get between teeth and beneath wires or restorations, such as floss threaders, which look like plastic sewing needles. There are also flossing products with one rigid end for fishing floss through teeth followed by a spongier segment and standard floss.

Flossing Tips

Flossing is a relatively simple process, but even it can be improved by enacting certain adjustments, including the following:

· Perfect your flossing techniques : Cut a 15-18 inch strand of floss, wrap it around both index fingers with plenty of room in between, and slide it between each tooth, wrapping the floss around every tooth in a “C” shape and polishing with an up/down motion.

· Some blood might not be an issue : Blood can mean one is flossing too hard, but it can also mean the gums have inflamed due to built-up plaque that must be cleaned out. One-time bleeding isn’t a problem if it’s addressed, but bleeding after several days could indicate periodontal disease.

· Look into floss holders : For those who lack the dexterity in their hands to floss properly, try wooden soft plaque removers or two-pronged plastic floss holders, both of which only require one hand.

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