Single Blog

Every single time you’ve stepped into your dentist’s office, among the first questions you are asked is, “Have you been flossing your teeth every day?” And the only answer you have is to shift guiltily in your chair, grin sheepishly, and mumble something about how you’ll get around to it eventually … probably sooner than later.

All this while, you’re hoping your dentist will skip this tiny detail and move on to other things that you’ve religiously scored off your every day dental routine, thinking “What’s the big deal anyway? I brush my teeth twice a day, don’t I?”

That’s wonderful. Congratulations! But that’s only half the work done. The other EQUALLY IMPORTANT half is flossing. So much so that the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you do it at least once a day. Other dental experts take the advice a step further and say you should floss after every meal.

As to why it is a big deal, a toothbrush cleans only the outer surface of your teeth. Floss, on the other hand, is designed for all those tight spaces the toothbrush can’t get to. As an inter-dental cleaner, it targets the gap between the gums and the teeth. Even if you are in the habit of cleaning your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash, that will only remove plaque-forming bacteria. Tartar – the more stubborn form of buildup on your teeth – can only be gotten rid of with flossing.

If you’re still not convinced to go out and buy that roll of floss from the corner shop, or use the one that’s decorating your medicine cabinet, here are a few compelling arguments you cannot afford to ignore.

To start with, flossing can prevent bad breath and tooth decay. Studies have shown that one of the main causes of bad breath and cavities is food particles getting lodged between the teeth. Toothbrush alone cannot get them out and this is where flossing comes in. Without it, you’re leaving yourself open to periodontal problems like cavities, bad breath, tender, swollen or soft gums, and sensitivity to sweet, hot, and cold foods. Over time, the tooth starts loosening and shifting before eventually falling off!

The problem with periodontal problems is that their effect isn’t limited to the teeth or gums. It extends beyond all that we’ve outlined in the paragraph above. An infection in your teeth or gums can spread to the rest of the mouth causing systemic conditions, which are medical problems that can impact multiple organs of the body. These could be potentially life-threatening and include conditions like respiratory illness, diabetes, and heart diseases.

Looking after your teeth is not easy. It’s a combination of a healthy diet, good hygiene, and a stringent dental care routine that includes brushing, flossing, and using a mouthwash. Ignore any one of these and you have trouble on your hands, or rather in your mouth. If you are not sure how to floss your teeth properly, follow this video or turn to your dentist for more advice. It isn’t easy from the word go, but it will become second nature with time. And your teeth will thank you for your diligence!