When we ask, “How often do you floss?” most people pause. Some admit they don’t do it enough. Others confess they skip it entirely. And a few brave souls say they try, but it’s awkward, their gums bleed, and they’re not sure they’re even doing it right.
You’re not alone. Flossing is one of those things we all know we should do, but it’s easy to let slide. At Oxford Family Dentistry, Dr. Speck and Dr. Ertl hear it all the time. So let’s clear up the confusion and make flossing something that actually fits into your daily life.
Why Flossing Still Matters
Brushing only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. The rest is between your teeth, where your toothbrush bristles simply can’t reach. That’s where floss comes in.
When food particles and plaque get trapped between teeth, they start causing problems. That plaque hardens into tartar, which can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding, and eventually gum disease. Flossing disrupts that process before it starts.
It’s not just about your gums either. That same bacteria can contribute to bad breath and even increase your risk for cavities between teeth. Flossing is a small habit with a big payoff.
The Right Way to Floss
Let’s skip the complicated diagrams and break it down simply.
- Step 1: Break off about 18 inches of floss. That’s roughly the length from your hand to your elbow. Wind most of it around one middle finger and the rest around the same finger on the other hand.
- Step 2: Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide it between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Don’t snap it into your gums, that’s a quick way to cause bleeding and soreness.
- Step 3: Curve the floss into a C-shape around the base of each tooth. Slide it gently beneath the gumline. Then move it up and down against the tooth surface.
- Step 4: Use a clean section of floss for each tooth. Wind the used floss around your finger as you go.
That’s it. The whole thing takes about two minutes once you get the hang of it.
What If Your Gums Bleed?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear. “My gums bleed when I floss, so I stopped.”
Bleeding gums are a sign that your gums are inflamed. That inflammation comes from bacteria that hasn’t been removed. When you floss regularly, you actually help your gums heal. The bleeding usually stops within a week or two of consistent flossing.
So if your gums bleed, don’t stop. Keep going. That’s how they get better.
Flossing Alternatives That Actually Work
If traditional floss just isn’t your thing, you’ve got options. At Oxford Family Dentistry, Dr. Speck and Dr. Ertl can help you find what works best for your smile.
- Water flossers use a stream of water to clean between teeth. They’re especially helpful for people with braces, bridges, or dexterity issues. They’re not a complete replacement for floss in every case, but they’re a great addition to your routine.
- Interdental brushes are tiny brushes that fit between teeth. They’re gentle and effective for larger spaces. Some people find them easier to use than floss.
- Floss picks are convenient and portable. Just keep in mind they use the same section of floss for every tooth, so they’re not quite as thorough as traditional floss. But they’re still better than skipping it entirely.
Making Flossing a Habit
The best flossing routine is the one you actually stick with. For some people, that means flossing in the evening while watching TV. For others, it’s part of their morning routine.
Connect flossing to something you already do. Keep floss in your car, your desk, or your nightstand. Make it visible so you don’t forget.
And if you miss a day? Don’t beat yourself up. Just start again tomorrow.
Improve Your Oral Hygiene Today
When you come in for your routine checkup, Dr. Speck or Dr. Ertl will check your gums and ask about your flossing routine. It’s not meant to guilt you. It’s to help you keep your smile healthy between visits. If you’re struggling with a specific area, ask them to show you the technique in person.
Flossing might not be anyone’s favorite habit. But it’s one of the most effective things you can do for your oral health. And once it becomes part of your routine, you’ll wonder why you ever skipped it.
Ready to schedule your next cleaning? Call Oxford Family Dentistry at 610-981-1320 or request an appointment online. We’re here to help.