Not everyone is sold on the idea that flossing is necessary. Unlike brushing the teeth, many people are not taught how to floss properly. Because of that they either give up doing it or don’t do it right.

When this happens, oral health suffers. It can lead to a variety of problems that are easily preventable. Some of the most common mistakes are easy to fix if a person just knows what they are.

What Does Flossing Do?

Brushing the teeth gets the surface of the teeth cleaner. It removes the plaque and bacteria that the toothbrush can reach. The problem is that there are several places where the toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is able to get to some of these places.

Plaque builds up between the teeth as well as on the surface of the teeth. The bacteria are in the plaque. Flossing is the best way to remove the buildup of plaque that can occur between the teeth and gums.

It is also the best way to remove any food particles that get stuck between the teeth. These pieces of food can cause inflammation of the gums and can lead to more problems.

Flossing Mistakes

It is important to floss correctly to get the benefits. Here are the 4 most common mistakes our offices see.

Not flossing on both sides of the teeth. It’s important to follow a plan that allows you to not miss a tooth.
Using the same piece of floss for every tooth – This leads to bacteria being spread instead of removed.
Not flossing behind the back teeth -They are harder to reach, but just as important to floss around.
Stopping if there is blood – Blood is not always a sign of a problem with the gums. Reasons can include improper technique or not having flossed for a few days.

Flossing is an important part of good oral hygiene. To learn more about it or to learn how to do it properly, contact the professionals at our office for assistance.