Our dentists in Pickering recommend our patients brush their teeth at least twice a day, and floss once every day. There are many myths about flossing that we often find ourselves clearing up for our patients. In this post, we explain why flossing is so important why you should not skip it by debunking common myths.
We must do more than attend regular dental checkups to practice good preventive oral hygiene. It's also imperative to practice daily oral healthcare routines at home. This means regularly brushing and flossing.
One effective way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line is by flossing daily. Performing this task not only helps to clean these spaces. but also helps prevent plaque from building up so you can prevent long-term damage to your teeth and gums.
Several myths about flossing can cause people to skip this vital oral healthcare practice altogether. Today, our Pickering dentists will debunk 5 of these common myths and explain why you should never skip flossing between your teeth.
Myth 1: You only need to floss when you have food stuck in your teeth.
You won't be able to remove bacteria between the teeth by brushing alone. This means only a part of the tooth's surface gets cleaned with brushing. Even if you don't see or feel something stuck between your teeth, plaque is accumulating and can only be removed by flossing to prevent issues such as bad breath, cavities and gum disease.
Myth 2: You can use mouthwash instead of floss.
Similar to brushing, using mouthwash won't remove plaque between your teeth. While mouthwash can be an effective addition to your oral healthcare routine, you should never use it to replace flossing.
Myth 3: You can't floss because you have braces.
It may be harder to floss with braces, but it is still a necessary practice. With braces, gums are more likely to become inflamed, so flossing will help keep your gum line clean and free from plaque build-up during your orthodontic treatment. Today, there are also alternative orthodontic treatment options, like Invisalign clear aligners, that can be removed for brushing and flossing to make the process easier.
Myth 4: Your children are too young to floss.
It's never too early for kids to start flossing. In fact, the earlier they start the more likely it is for them to develop and maintain good oral health care routines into adulthood. If they are finding it difficult to floss on their own, try to encourage them and help them along the way. If your child is under 10 years old, you can do it for them.
Myth 5: Your gums bleed when you floss, so you should stop.
If your gums bleed, this is usually a sign that you need to floss more often, not less. Your gums could be bleeding simply because they’re not used to being flossed. The more you floss, the less your gums will bleed. If your gums are bleeding continually, then it could be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease, so be sure to share any concerns with your dentist.