We all know that there are few things we need to do to maintain our oral health. You’ve probably been told that it’s important to visit your dentist once every six months and that you need to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. You’ve probably been talked to about the importance of flossing—but have you ever been told why flossing is as important as it is? Have you ever wondered exactly when you should floss, or if flossing should hurt? Today, we’re happy to discuss the answers to questions like these.
Some people like to floss before they brush and others prefer flossing immediately after. But, who is right and who is wrong? In reality, when doesn’t really matter. The most important thing with flossing is doing it every day. If you find it easier to floss in the middle of the day, that’s fine. If you prefer flossing immediately before or after you brush, that isn’t a problem. Again, it is important to remove the plaque between your teeth before it can harden and cause gum disease.
Similarly, flossing is extremely important because—while it may be possible to remove the plaque with brushing alone— it isn’t necessarily a good idea. In fact, if you manage to remove the plaque near the gum line, you’re probably brushing too hard and could be damaging your gums and your teeth.
Also, please remember that flossing should not be painful, especially a week or two after starting. If the pain does not subside, we recommend speaking with your dentist. We also recommend choosing floss that has been approved by the ADA: this floss will be safe for your use.
If you would like to learn more, please feel free to contact us soon. We are excited to hear from you soon.