While our teeth are naturally pretty sturdy, our modern diets test them to their limits. Every day we subject them to a barrage of acidity and abrasion that if left unchecked will surely damage them over time. Luckily, there is plenty we can do to preserve and protect them. One of the most important is flossing.
It is recommended that we floss daily for optimal dental hygiene as it removes leftover food and plaque from places our toothbrush cannot reach. However, flossing without due care and attention can actually further harm our teeth. There are a number of mistakes that we must be careful to avoid.
This guide highlights the common flossing mistakes that you should be careful not to make if you want to get the most out of your dental care routine.
Flossing Too Harshly
If you’ve ever had work done on your teeth, you might remember that the dentist flossed them for you afterwards. You probably noticed that the floss felt stronger than the stuff you buy at home. Perhaps you felt a slight scrubbing sensation, and afterwards, the gaps between your teeth felt cleaner than ever.
Some people try to replicate this at home with their regular floss. It doesn’t feel the same, so they floss extremely roughly, often making their gums bleed. This is totally unnecessary and actually harmful. As long as you floss daily, you only need to floss gently. What the dentists are actually doing is checking how well things fit your mouth. They use specialist products like Gorilla Floss to do this, and these are designed for this specific purpose and not for frequent use.
Flossing Too Frequently
It is tempting to think that if flossing once is good, then more must be better. But, as with many things in life, it is possible to do too much. Human gums are very sensitive and can easily be irritated or damaged by too much contact. Flossing once per day at a time which suits you is enough.
Over-flossing can lead to gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots and increasing the risk of sensitivity, cavities, and infection. To maintain healthy gums, use a gentle technique with soft, unwaxed floss and avoid snapping it into place. If you notice bleeding or discomfort while flossing, it’s worth consulting your dentist for advice. A quick search for “dentist near me San Antonio TX” can help you find local professionals who can guide you on proper flossing techniques and overall gum care.
Flossing Too Quickly
Flossing can be a chore, but it is a lot more pleasant and less time-consuming than treating gum disease. You do not need to race through it by pulling the string between your teeth as quickly as possible. You could inadvertently damage your gums.
Overall, it should take around two minutes to floss. This is ample time to make sure you clean both sides of all your teeth. Each side that you floss should take you a couple of seconds because you will need to scrape the string up and down a couple of times against them.
Not Flossing All Your Teeth
You might think that because your back teeth don’t have another tooth on one side of them, they don’t need flossing. However, flossing can still help get rid of harmful bacteria on their surface. Be sure to make the effort to reach those difficult spots. Also, it can be helpful to work out the order in which you will floss your teeth in advance so that none get forgotten.
Conclusion
Careful regular flossing can help you keep your teeth for your whole life. Avoid mistakes like those above to make sure that your flossing technique is tooth-friendly.
The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
