Your Nepean Invisalign® Provider
Our dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. There are actually some myths about flossing that we often find ourselves clearing up for our patients. Today, our dentists in Nepean explain why flossing is so important and why you should not skip it by debunking common myths.
We need to do more than attend regular dental checkups to practice effective preventive oral hygiene. It's also important to practice daily oral healthcare routines like brushing and flossing regularly at home.
By flossing daily, we can effectively clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Not only does flossing help clean these spaces, it also helps prevent plaque from accumulating so you can avoid long-term damage to your teeth and gums.
There are many myths about flossing that can cause people to skip this essential oral healthcare practice altogether. In this post, our Nepean dentists debunk 5 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 your teeth by brushing alone, which cleans only part of. tooth's surface. Even if you don't see or feel something stuck between your teeth, plaque builds up 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.
Like brushing, mouthwash won't remove the plaque between your teeth. While mouthwash can be an effective addition to your oral health care routine, it should never be used as a replacement for 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.